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HomeMy WebLinkAbout32- Planning & Building Services CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION From: Al Boughey, Director Subject: Specific Plan No. 95-01, General Plan Amendment No. 95-03 and Environmental Dept: Planning & Building Services Impact Report - International Trade Center Date: February 15, 1996 MCC Date: March 4, 1996 ¢" Synopsis of Previous Council Action: N/A 15-0 qb -5-1 Recommended Motion: That the hearing be closed and that the Mayor and Common Counci : )Ve -&I-Z 1. Adopt the resolution which certifies the Environmental Impact Report; adopts the Statements of Overriding Consideration based on the appropriate findings pursuant to CEQA; adopts the Mitigation Monitoring Program; approves Specific Plan No. 95-01 with recommended changes, subject to the Conditions of Approval; and approves General Plan Amendment No. 95-03; as contained in the Planning Commission Staff Report; 2. Adopt the resolution which certifies the Traffic Impact Analysis; and 3. That the first reading be waived and the ordinance adopting the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan be laid over for final adoption. Al Boughey Contact person: Al Boughey Phone: 384-5357 Supporting data attached: Staff Report Ward: 1 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: N/A Source: (Acct. No.) N/A (Acct. Description) Finance: Council Notes: "-,50 q- e� q& `5) Agenda Item No. 3/411% CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION SUBJECT: SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 95-01, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-03, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH NO. 95082052) REQUEST/LOCATION: A request for approval of the above referenced entitlements which together, propose to amend the General Plan to establish a new land use category of "International Trade Center", amend the land use map from PF, Public Facilities to ITC, International Trade Center and amend the Circulation Element. The project includes the non- airport portions of the former Norton Air Force Base. OWNER/APPLICANT: Inland Valley Development Agency ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: It was determined that the project would require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) during pre-application discussions with the applicant. • The Initial Study was deemed complete by the City on August 15, 1995. • The Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the project was issued on August 28, 1995. • The Notice of Completion (NOC) and the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) were released on November 21, 1995. The 45 day public review period began on November 21, 1995 and ended on January 5, 1996. • On January 18, 1996 the ERC recommended certification of the Final EIR. • The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the project, including a recommendation for certification of the Final EIR and adoption of Statements of Overriding Consideration, on February 6, 1996. • The Traffic Impact Analysis was prepared pursuant to the Congestion Management Plan and circulated to surrounding jurisdictions. The review period extended from December 8, 1995 to January 5, 1996. Comments were received, written responses provided to the commentors and revisions made to the document as necessary. PROJECT SUMMARY: The IVDA was formed by the cities of San Bernardino, Colton and Loma Linda and San Bernardino County as a Joint Powers Authority authorized by state legislation in 1990. Total acreage within the Specific Plan area is 616 acres, with the remainder of the Base property, approximately 1300 acres, leased to the San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) for development of the International Airport. The Specific Plan (SP 95-01) proposes to create eight land use subdistricts within the 616 acres encompassed by this Specific Plan: 1 1. Commercial Neighborhood - 15 acres 5. Industrial - 291.2 acres 2. Commercial Tourist - 29.2 acres 6. Recreation Commercial - 14.7 acres 3. Office - 44.5 acres 7. Recreation Open Space - 25.6 acres 4. Research and Development - 54.5 acres 8. International Trade Center - 141.4 acres The total area of the project is 616.2 acres with an allowable building square footage of 11,056,617 square feet. The Specific Plan is a policy document that will govern the distribution, location, type, and intensity of land uses in the Specific Plan area (Exhibit D). It is also a regulatory document in that it will regulate development on the site through the establishment of permitted land uses, development standards and design guidelines. The Specific Plan will be phased over a 40 year period. It is expected that the first phase of development will continue through the year 2015 with the generation of approximately 11,000 jobs to replace those lost at the closure of Norton Air Force Base. In addition, approximately 15,000 are anticipated to be create for the remaining 25 years to project buildout. The actual rate of development will depend upon real growth in the project area and the ability of the IVDA to attract new businesses consistent with the Specific Plan. A letter was received from Courtney Buse, after the public hearing, regarding the temporary use of existing residential dorm buildings on site. The proposed Specific Plan prohibits residential uses in those land use districts where the dorm buildings are located. The applicant has indicated to staff that it is not looking to provide any additional residential on site. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: There were no outstanding issues identified by staff or the applicant. However, the following general topics were discussed at the Planning Commission meeting. = Several members of the public were concerned about the progress of the Air Force cleanup on the former base and how that would affect surrounding properties. Courtney Buse requested that the golf course be recognized as a primary use instead of an interim use until industrial is built. He also objected to the siting of an interim elementary school at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and Del Rosa Drive. His letters are included within Attachment H to the Planning Commission staff report. Refer to Exhibit 2, Planning Commission Staff Report for a full discussion of the project. The Planning Commission ve`°ci 7 to 0 to recommend approval of Specific Plan 95-01, adoption of General Plan Amendir '13, certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report, adoption of the Stat( °rriding Consideration and approval of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reps >mon the Findings of Fact contained in the February 6, 1996 staff report 'ton, Quiel, Schuiling, Stone, Strimpel, Thrasher and Traver; Nays: ] it: None). RECOMMENDA7 t the Mayor and Common Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, adopt the Statement of Overriding Consideration, approve the Mitigation Monitoring Program, approve Specific Plan No. 95-01, adopt General Plan Amendment 95-03, and determine that the Traffic Impact Analysis complies with the Congestion Management Plan. Prepared by: Margaret Park, Associate Planner For: Al Boughey, Director, Planning and Building Services Exhibits: 1 - Site Vicinity Map 2 - Specific Plan Land Use Map 3 - Specific Plan and EIR Resolution Attachments: A-1 - Draft EIR (distributed on November 20, 1995) A-2 - Final EIR* B - Statement of Overriding Considerations C - Mitigation Monitoring Program* D - Draft Specific Plan (distributed November 20, 1995) E - Recommended Specific Plan Changes* F - Site Vicinity and General Plan Land Use Designation Map G - General Plan Text Revisions H - Circulation Element Revision Map 4 - Traffic Impact Analysis Resolution Attachments: A - Traffic Impact Analysis Report* 5 - Specific Plan Ordinance 6 - Planning Commission Staff Report* 7 - C & B Enterprises letter dated February 12, 1996 * Distributed under separate cover February 16, 1996. 3 a � r IS dma E}.. ►� m C Vex w -o W H s IV `° C S � � a 3Ad c �o.�tn C7 , 1 •v u 0 a 0 � a aAd - �ru-rx3.ts ,KVM t, vO LdoN 21Q HSO�i"IIQ O >`• }; mi .......... .... :.:: ...... .. ....... . . .......... .r..::.i:.w:..:•.::..... .::....:•::::rtijkii:r:. a {?:i 0. 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INTRODUCTION The City of San Bernardino, in approving Specific Plan No. 95-01 (San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan) and General Plan Amendment No. 95-03, which will allow the applicant, the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA), to reuse and redevelop approximately 616 acres located within the boundaries of former Norton Air Force Base (Base) into commercial, office/professional, and industrial uses makes the findings described below and adopts the statement of overriding considerations presented at the end of the findings. Hereafter, the following documents (Initial Study,Notice of Preparation, Draft EIR, Technical Appendices, Response to Comments and Appendices) will be referred to collectively as "the EIR". B. PROJECT SUMMARY B.1 PROJECT LOCATION The project site is a portion of former Norton Air Force Base which is located in the southern portion of the City of San Bernardino. The site consists of two noncontiguous parcels of land located immediately south of Third Street, east of Lena Road, west of Alabama Street/Palm Avenue and north of Central Avenue and the Santa Ana River active flood plain. This area is part of the Old Rancho San Bernardino, a Mexican land grant, and was not sectionalized by U.S. government survey. B.2 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS The IVDA was formed by the Cities of San Bernardino, Colton and Loma Linda and the County of San Bernardino as a Joint Powers Authority authorized by state legislation in 1990. The IVDA is authorized as a redevelopment agency and was created to serve as the primary reuse agency upon the closure of the Base. The Air Force leased approximately 550 acres to the IVDA in 1994 with a 9 potential for fee ownership when the Air Force completes remediation of past hazardous contamination of the soil and ground water, or has the remediation mechanisms in place for a year. I Other property within the project area has been granted by the Air Force for public benefit uses. These include Loma Linda Medical Facility, City of San Bernardino Public Park, Apostolic Church Homeless facility, Community College facility, and a U. S. Forest Service facility. Total acreage within the Specific Plan area is 616 acres, including the public benefit acreage identified above. The remainder of the Base property, approximately 1,300 acres including and surrounding the Base airport, was leased to the San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) for development, operation and support of the San Bernardino International Airport. Attachment B At the present time the property within the Specific Plan area is designated by the City General Plan as Public Facility(PF). This designation was in recognition of the Air Force ownership and operation of Norton Air Force Base. The proposed project will revise the General Plan and establish a set of Specific Plan designations. The purpose of the General Plan Amendment is to revise the land use designations for the property to be consistent with the Specific Plan. In addition, references to Norton Air Force Base in 1989 General Plan will be revised to reflect its current status under local control. In the Specific Plan policies are established for permitted uses, development densities and general design standards. The Circulation Element of the General Plan will also be amended to modify City roadway designations (Arterials, etc.) for the major roads providing access within the Specific Plan area(see Figure 3.4.2 of the EIR). By implementing the proposed project, the General Plan will be amended to be consistent with the Trade Center Specific Plan land use designations. The Specific Plan creates eight different land uses within the Specific Plan area which is termed the "San Bernardino International Trade Center" (SBITC). These uses include: Neighborhood Commercial, 15 acres and a maximum of 228,690 square feet (sf); Tourist Commercial 29.2 acres and 635,976 sf; Office 44.5 acres and 969,210 sf; Research & Development, 54.5 acres and 1,187,010 sf, Industrial, 291.2 acres and 4,7894,867 sf, Recreation Commercial, 14.7 acres and 158.994 sf;Recreation Open Space, 25.6 acres and 0 sf, and International Trade Center, 141.5 acres and 3,081,870 sf. The acreage allocated to each use and the maximum square footage of buildings allowed in each land use designation is identified in the previous list. The total area of the project area is 616.2 acres and the total allowable square footage of structures according to the Specific Plan is 11,056,617 sf, allocated as identified above. The Specific Plan will be phased over a 40-year period. It is anticipated that the first phase of development will continue through the year 2015 and this will bring approximately 11,000 new employees to replace the estimated 10,000 employees lost when Norton closed. Over the remaining 25 years and additional 16,000 employees are forecast to be employed within the Specific Plan area. Actual rate of development will depend upon real growth in the project area and the ability of the IVDA to attract new businesses consistent with the Specific Plan. In addition to the Specific Plan, the EIR evaluates the possible designation of the Specific Plan area for a LAMBRA Site designation, a "Local Agency Military Base Recovery Area" and a Foreign Trade Zone designation. Under the LAMBRA program, governmental constraints are reduced to facilitate reuse by stimulating business and industrial growth. The LAMBRA designation has not yet been granted to the Specific Plan area, but the potential for more rapid implementation of the Specific Plan under the LAMBRA designation was evaluated as part of the EIR. The Foreign Trade Zone designation will also facilitate development, specifically of the International Trade Center, if it becomes a reality. This designation allows foreign or domestic merchandise to enter the area designated as a foreign trade zone without formal Customs entry, or payment of Custom duties or excise taxes. Trade zones provide opportunities to realize customs duty savings by zone users and it provides a flexible method of handling domestic and imported merchandise. 2 C. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The entire administrative record, (including the Draft EIR, Technical Appendices and attachments, public comments and City Staff reports, and these facts, findings and statement of overriding considerations) serve as the basis for the City's environmental determination. The detailed environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan Project are presented in Chapter 4 of the EIR and in the responses to comments which are part of the EIR. Alternatives to the proposed project are discussed in Chapter 6 of the EIR. Evaluation of growth inducement is provided in Chapter 5 and unavoidable significant impacts are described in Chapter 7 of the EIR. The following findings contain a summary of the facts used in making determinations for each environmental issue addressed in the EIR and Initial Study. The City received the project applications from the IVDA in June, 1994. A public scoping session was conducted by the City on July 7, 1994. Issues were identified at the scoping session and were subsequently incorporated into the content of the EIR. The preparation of the Initial Study was delayed while the final Specific Plan text was completed. To assist with processing the CEQA environmental documentation, the IVDA retained LSA Associates Inc. to prepare the Initial Study for submittal to and independent review by the City of San Bernardino Planning and Building Services Department Staff. After conducting an independent review of the Initial Study, the City released the Notice of Preparation (NOP) with the Initial Study for public review and comment on August 28, 1995. Comments on the NOP were taken through September 26, 1995. A copy of the NOP, Initial Study and comments submitted in response to the NOP are contained in Appendix A of the EIR. The following list summarizes the project CEQA review milestones. 1. The Initial Study was deemed complete by the City on August 15, 1995. 2. The Notice of Preparation for the project was issued on August 28, 1995. 3. The Draft EIR was released for public review in November, 1995. 4. The public comment period began on November 22, 1995 and extended to January 6, 1996. 5. The City ERC reviewed the Draft EIR for adequacy on December 14, 1995 6. The City ERC reviewed the Final EIR for public release on January 18, 1996. 7. The Final EIR was released to interested parties and Responsible and Trustee Agencies that commented on the Draft EIR in January, 1996. 8. The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the project, including a recommendation for certification of the Final EIR and adoption of Statements of Overriding Consideration, on February 6, 1996. 9. The Mayor and Common Council reviewed and approved the project, including certification of the Final EIR and adoption of Statement of Overriding Considerations on March 4, 1996. D. FINDINGS Presented below are the environmental findings made by the City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council after its review of the documents referenced above and consideration of written and oral comments on the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan EIR (Project EIR) 3 submitted to the Mayor and Common Council at a public hearing, including all other information provided during the decision-making process. These findings provide a summary of the information contained in the EIR, related technical documents, and the public hearing record that have been referenced by the Mayor and Common Council in making its decision to approve Specific Plan No. 95-01 and General Plan Amendment No. 95-03, the permits required to implement the Project. The EIR prepared for the project evaluated eleven (11) major environmental issue categories for potential significant adverse impacts. These major environmental issue categories are: geotechnical resources, water resources, biological resources, cultural resources, land use/relevant planning, hazardous waste/hazardous materials, transportation/circulation, noise, air quality, public services and utilities and construction impacts. When cumulative impacts were included, the EIR reached a total of 22 findings on environmental issues. Short- and long-term impacts and project specific and cumulative impacts were evaluated for each phase of the proposed project. Some of the issue categories contained several subissues which are summarized below. Of these I1 major environmental categories, the Mayor and Common Council concur with the findings in the EIR that the issues and subissues discussed below can be mitigated below a significant impact threshold, or for those issues which cannot be mitigated below a level of significance, that overriding considerations exist which make those impacts acceptable. In addition to the I 1 major environmental issue categories evaluated in the EIR, eleven (I1) other environmental issue categories(no grading on slopes greater than 15 percent, no development within an Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone, no unique geological or physical features will be modified, no areas will be developed that have a high potential for wind or water erosion, no areas will be developed within a high wind hazard area, no areas will be developed within the foothill fire zones, no impact on rail or air traffic, no creation of disjointed patterns of roadway improvements, no creation of disjointed patterns of utility extensions, no obstruction of scenic views, and no degradation of the existing visual/aesthetic setting) were found to be non-significant in the Initial Study prepared for the proposed project. The Mayor and Common Council concurs with the findings on these environmental issue categories as outlined in the Initial Study (Appendix A of the EIR). Those environmental issue categories identified in the Initial Study as having no potential for significant adverse impact, with or without mitigation, are described below in Section D.1. The descriptions in Section D.1 include substantiation from the Initial Study. Each of the potentially significant, but mitigable, effects of the proposed project identified in the EIR are described below (Section D.2.), including substantiation from the EIR, associated documents and/or the hearing record. Unavoidable(unmitigable) significant adverse impacts of the project are described in Section E of this document. An analysis and comparison of the alternatives to the project are described in Section F of this document. Project benefits are described in Section G. The balancing of benefits and impacts and the statement of overriding considerations are presented and considered in Section H of this document. All mitigation measures identified in the EIR and Initial Study are addressed in the Mitigation Monitoring Program which is included as part of the EIR. The monitoring program will ensure that 4 the measures identified in the EIR will be implemented in accordance with discussion in the EIR and as required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6. These measures are within the jurisdiction of the City to implement, but some measures may require other agencies to participate in the monitoring program. D.1. Non-Significant Impacts Identified in the Initial Study The following issues were identified in the Initial Study as having no potential to cause significant impact and were not carried forward into the EIR for detailed evaluation. In the following presentation each resource issue is identified; it is followed by a description of the potential significant adverse environmental effect (Potential Significant Impact); a discussion of the finding in the administrative record, which primarily consists of the Initial Study, Notice of Preparation and responses, and technical appendices; any mitigation measures that will be implemented to achieve a non-significant impact are identified; and finally, a discussion of the facts supporting the finding are summarized. The City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council hereby finds that any mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study (Appendix A of the EIR) that will be implemented to mitigate the impacts of this project have been incorporated into, or required of, the project to avoid or substantially lessen the following potentially significant environmental impacts to a level of insignificance. Public Resources Code Section 21081 states that no public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact report has been completed which identifies one or more significant effects unless the public agency makes one, or more, of the following findings: a. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects thereof as identified in the completed environmental impact report; b. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency;and/or C. Specific economic,social or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the environmental impact report. The City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council hereby finds, pursuant to Public Resources Section 21081, that the following issues are non-significant because they have been determined to have no potential to cause a significant impact or because mitigation measures will be implemented as outlined below. The Mayor and Common Council further finds that no additional mitigation measures or project changes are required to reduce the potential impacts discussed below to a level of nonsignificance. These issues and the measures adopted to mitigate them to a level of insignificance are as follows: 5 1. Earth Resources: Grading and Slope Modification Potential Significant Impact: Grading activity on steep slopes(15%or greater)could cause significant potential for slope failure or erosion during or following completion of grading. Finding: The grading and slope modification issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of grading and slope modification issues presented in the Initial Study demonstrated that no potential for significant impacts will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required. Facts in Support of the Finding The grading and slope modification discussion in the substantiation section of the Initial Study(Page 5,items La and Lb) indicates that project site slopes from north to southwest at less than 2% grade and proposed grading will leave the site with the same general slope at completion of grading for individual. No cumulative grading impacts were identified on the area within the Specific Plan property to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts,the City concludes that potential grading and slope modification impacts from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 2. Geologic Hazards: Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Potential Significant Impact: The presence of an active fault within the project area could endanger property or, human lives at the project site. Finding: The Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of active fault issues presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impacts fi-om ground rupture will occur if the Specific Plan area is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required. Facts in Support of Finding The Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone information in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 5, item Lc)indicates that project site is not located within any Special Studies zone. No potential exists for the project area to be exposed to ground rupture from a known active fault and the project cannot contribute to the cumulative exposure to such hazards. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential ground rupture impacts from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 3. Modification of any Unique Geologic or Physical Features Potential Significant Impact: Modification or loss of unique geologic or physical features would reduce the diversity of these features in the region. Finding: The unique geologic and physical features issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The finding regarding unique geologic and physical features issues presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impacts to such resources will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required because no such resources exist on this totally disturbed site. Facts in Support of the Finding The unique geologic and physical features finding in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 5,item l.d)indicates that project site has been utilized as an agricultural or military site since the turn of the century and no unique 6 geologic or natural physical features exist at the site based on field observation. No cumulative impacts to such features were identified to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential impacts to unique geologic or physical features from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 4. Geologic Hazards: High Wind/Water Erosion Potential Potential Significant Impact: If the site experiences high wind and/or water erosion potential,significant damage to existing and future development could occur-on and off the site.. Finding: The wind and water erosion potential issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of erosion issues presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant erosion impacts will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required. Facts in Support of the Finding The potential wind and water erosion presentation in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 5,item Le) indicates that project site is not located within an area identified as having high potential for any type of erosion. Further,the site is essentially flat with an approximate one-two percent slope to the southwest. No cumulative erosion impacts occur in the project area to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential erosion impacts from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. S. Air Quality: High Wind Hazard Potential Significant Impact: If the site experiences high wind potential,significant damage to the structures located at the site could occur. Finding: The wind erosion hazard issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of high wind hazard issues presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant high wind damage impacts will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required. Facts in Support of Finding The potential wind hazard discussion in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 6,item 2.c)indicates that the project site is not located within a high wind hazard area as identified by the General Plan. Further,the site is totally improved as a military base and will be redeveloped and reused as a part of the project. No cumulative wind hazard impacts occur in the project area to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential high wind hazards from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 6 Land Use: Development within the Foothill Fire Zones Potential Significant Impact: Existing or future facilities within the project area could be exposed to significant foothill fire hazards Finding: The exposure to foothill fine hazard issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of the foothill fire hazard issues presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impacts from such hazards will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required because no such fire hazards occur at this location. 7 Facts in Support of the Finding ► The foothill fire hazard discussion in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 9,item 6.c)indicates that the project site is not located within any areas of the City designated as being exposed to foothill fire hazards. No cumulative impacts to such features were identified to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts,the City concludes that potential impacts from foothill fire hazards from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 7. Transportation/Circulation: Rail or Air Traffic Potential Significant Impact: The proposed project could adversely effect the rail and air traffic systems. Finding: The rail and air traffic system issues are presented in the Initial Study, Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of rail and air traffic issues presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impacts to rail or air traffic will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required because no such rail or traffic systems occur within or will be affected by implementation of the project. Facts in Support of the Finding The rail and air traffic discussion in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 10,item 9.e)indicates that the project site does not affect any areas of the City designated for rail or air traffic operations. No cumulative impacts to such features were identified to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential impacts to rail and air traffic from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 8. Transportation/Circulation: Disjointed Pattern of Roadivay Improvements Potential Significant Impact: The proposed project could alter the pattern of roadway improvements in a manner that could adversely affect traffic flow and area circulation. Finding: The circulation pattern issues are discussed in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of the circulation pattern issue presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impact_,to circulation by creating a disjointed pattern of roadway improvements will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required because the existing road pattern will be retained and enhanced. Facts in Support of the Finding The circulation pattern discussion in the Specific Plan and environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 11, item 9.g) indicates that existing circulation pattern is consistent with the General Plan and it will be enhanced by the implementation of the proposed project. No cumulative circulation pattern effects were identified on the property or in the surrounding area to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts,the City concludes that potential circulation pattern impacts from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project because no disjointed patterns of circulation will be created. 9. Utilities: Disjointed Pattern of Utility Improvements Potential Significant Impact: The proposed project could alter the pattern of utility improvements in a manner that could adversely effect the provision of utility services to future uses of the site and surrounding area. 8 Finding: The utility issues are discussed in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of the utility pattern issue presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impacts to the pattern of utilities delivered to the site and surrounding will occur by implementing the proposed pattern of utility improvements if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required because the existing utility pattern will be retained and enhanced. Facts in Support of the Finding The utility pattern discussion in the Specific Plan and environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 12,item 9.b) indicates that existing utility pattern is consistent with the utility service plans and it will be enhanced by the implementation of the proposed project. No cumulative utility service delivery effects due to disjointed patterns were identified on the property or in the surrounding area to which the proposed project could contribute additional adverse impacts. Based on these facts,the City concludes that potential utility pattern impacts from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project because no disjointed patterns of utility systems will be created. 10. Aesthetics: Obstruction of Important Scenic Views Potential Significant Impact: The implementation of the proposed project could obstruct or eliminate important scenic views from the project site. Finding: The scenic view issues are presented in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR. The analysis of scenic views presented in the Initial Study concluded that no potential for significant impacts to scenic views will occur if the project is developed as proposed. No mitigation is required because the site is already developed and due to existing landscaping and structures very few scenic vistas exist from or to the project site. Facts in Support of Finding The scenic view discussion in the environmental evaluation section of the hnitial Study(Page 12,item 12.a)indicates that the project site does not contain any scenic views and that existing views to the mountains are disrupted by existing development and landscaping which will be retained or enhanced. No additional obstructions are forecast to occur and the project is not forecast to contribute to cumulative changes in views through creation of obstructions. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential visual obstruction impacts from implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project because no additional obstructions will be created at the project site. 11. Aesthetics: Degradation of the Existing Visual/Aesthetic Setting Potential Significant Impact: The proposed project could cause degradation to the existing visual setting within the project area boundaries. Finding: The issues related to degradation of the existing visual setting are discussed in the Initial Study,Appendix A of the EIR, the Specific Plan, and the EIR, Section 2.4. The analysis of visual degradation issues presented ir►the Initial Study and EIR concluded that no potential for significant adverse alteration of the visual setting will occur if the project is developed in conformance with the design guidelines contained in the Specific Plan. No mitigation is required. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion of potential degradation of the visual setting is provided in the environmental evaluation section of the Initial Study(Page 12,item 12.b)and in the EIR in Chapter-2,Section 2.4. The analysis indicates that design guidelines contained in the Specific Plan will ensure that the existing visual setting within the project area will not be degraded by future 9 development or reuse activities allowed by implementation of the proposed project. Thus, the project cannot contribute additional or cumulative adverse changes in the visual setting. Based on these facts, the City concludes that potential alterations of the visual setting fi-om implementing the proposed project will be nonsignificant without any mitigation or other changes to the project. This completes the discussion of those impacts that were determined to be nonsignificant without mitigation in the Initial Study. D.2. Non-Significant Impacts Identified in the EIR After Miti ation The following issues were identified in the Initial Study as having potential to cause significant impact and were carried forward into the EIR for detailed evaluation. These issues then were found to be non-significant based on detailed technical data supporting a conclusion that no significant impact could occur or that mitigation measures identified in the EIR will be implemented which would reduce the impacts to below a level of significance. In the following presentation each resource issue is identified; it is followed by a description of the potential significant adverse environmental effect (Potential Significant Impact); a discussion of the findings in the entire administrative record, which is predominantly the EIR, technical appendices or responses to comments, is provided and any mitigation measures that will be implemented to achieve a non-significant impact are identified; and finally, a discussion of the facts supporting the finding are summarized. The mitigation measures are presented below with the same numbers as identified in the EIR. All findings, mitigation measures and facts are abstracted from the EIR, including the responses to comments provided as a separately bound volume. The City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council hereby finds that all mitigation measures that will be implemented to mitigate the impacts of this project have been incorporated into, or required of, the project to avoid or substantially lessen the following potentially significant environmental impacts to a level of insignificance. Public Resources Code Section 21081 states that no public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact report has been completed which identifies one or more significant effects unless the public agency makes one, I or more, of the following findings: I a. Changes or alterations have been required ul,or incorporated into the project which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects thereof as identified in the completed environmental impact report; I b. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and such changes have been adopted by such agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency; and/or C. Specific economic, social or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the environmental impact report. I The City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council hereby finds, pursuant to Public Resources Section 21081, that the following issues are non-significant based on the lack of potential for any significant impact or based on implementation of the mitigation measures outlined below. The Mayor I and Common Council further find that no additional mitigation measures or project changes are I 10 I required to reduce the impacts described below to a nonsignificant level. These issues and the measures adopted to mitigate them to a level of insignificance are as follows: 1. Geotechnical Resources: Soils Potential Significant Impact: The soils located at the project site may contain constraints that will limit future development. Finding: The site soil issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of soils in the EIR determined that the Tujunga soils found on the project site do not pose any significant constraint to future reuse and redevelopment. The analysis of the soil issue presented in the EIR concluded that no potential for significant impacts due to site soil characteristics will occur if the Specific Plan area is developed as proposed. No mitigation for site soil structural limitations is required because compliance with applicable building codes will ensure site soils do not adversely affect future development. The only impact with potential significance is the moderate to high wind erosion potential. This potential impact is not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measure. This measure is: e 1.2 Grading plans shall indicate that wind erosion shall be minimized, particularly in areas ' underlain by Tt junga loamy sand,through application of dust palliatives during grading and other consUzction or redevelopment activities. ' Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project soils are Tujunga loamy sand and gravelly loamy sand. These soils have low water erosion potential particularly where slopes are gentle as occurs at the project site. Tujunga soils have very few limitations on surface development, but mitigation is provided to control dust s emissions from Tujunga loamy sand soil. The E1R concludes that the project and cumulative impacts of developing on these soils are forecast to be nonsignificant without additional mitigation,except for fugitive dust during construction. The fugitive dust impacts can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed ' for this issue. The City concludes that existing building code requirements are sufficient to ensure that future structures implemented under the Specific Plan will not be adversely impacted by the site soil. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. ' 2. Geotechnical Resources: Seismicity Potential Significant Impact: The regional seismic hazards may cause significant damage to existing and future structures that are utilized through implementation of the Specific Plan. Finding: The regional seismicity issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The seismicity evaluation indicated that the project site lies in a high seismicity region and the use of existing structures and development of new structures will occur in an environment that is likely to experience a significant ground shaking during the life of the project. The analysis of the seismic issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant seismic impacts will be precluded by implementing the seismic ' design requirements contained in the Uniform Building Code(UBC). No mitigation for regional ground shaking is required because compliance with the UBC is mandatory and it is sufficient to ensure that e retrofitted and new structures are protective of human health. 11 Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that significant regional faults are located from 0.5 miles(Loma Linda Fault)to 2.5 miles(San Andreas Fault)of the project site. Based on this information,the project site is designated as Seismic Hazard Zone IV in the Uniform Building Code and the site could be exposed to ground accelerations ranging up to.8g. This potential level of ground shaking could cause structures and infrastructure to sustain significant damage and expose individuals to significant hazard. The EIR concludes that the project and cumulative impacts of developing at the project site are forecast to be nonsignificant without mitigation because compliance with the latest version of the UBC in retrofitted and new structures will be protective of human health. The City concludes that the UBC requirements are sufficient to ensure that the retrofitted and future structures protect human health fi-om unacceptable risks and no additional mitigation is required. 3. Geotechnical Resources: Liquefaction Potential Significant Impact: The local liquefaction hazards may cause significant damage to existing and future structures that are utilized through implementation of the Specific Plan. Finding: The liquefaction issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The liquefaction evaluation indicated that the project site lies in a moderately high to high region of liquefaction susceptibility and the use of existing structures and development of new structures will occur in an environment that may experience a significant liquefaction of the underlying sediments during the life of the project. The analysis of the liquefaction issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant liquefaction impacts could significantly damage structures and expose humans to significant hazards if mitigation is not implemented. The potential liquefaction impacts are not considered significant after implementing the following mtigation measure. One mitigation measures has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that liquefaction hazards are reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 1-1 Prior to the issuance of building perinits,site specific geotechnical studies shall be prepared for all new construction on the site and for seismic retrofitting of existing structures on the site. The recointnendations of such site specific geotechnical studies shall be incorporated into the design, engineering, and seismic retrofitting of all development, redevelopment of existing structures, and other consttxiction projects on the site. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that at certain locations on the project site the ground water table may be above 30 feet below the ground surface and combined with the sandy substrate,a moderately high to high liquefaction potential is identified in the City General Plan(See Figure 48). Based on these data, the site could be exposed to significant liquefaction,but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and this measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 4. Geotechnical Resources: Subsidence Potential Significant Impact: The regional subsidence hazards may cause significant damage to existing and future structures that are utilized through implementation of the Specific Plan. Finding: The regional subsidence issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The subsidence evaluation indicated that the project site lies in an area potentially subject to subsidence from ground water removal and the use of existing structures and development of new Stucture-,will occur in an environment that 12 could experience subsidence during the life of the project. The analysis of the subsidence issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant subsidence impacts will be precluded by ground water recharge programs being implemented by the San Bernardino Municipal Water District. No mitigation for regional subsidence is required because of actions being implemented by other agencies to recharge ground water and prevent subsidence. Such measures are sufficient to ensure that retrofitted and new structures are exposed to structural failure due to subsidence. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that regional subsidence was a problem prior to 1972 when the ground water levels were dropping in the Bunker Hill Basin. Subsequent maintenance of ground water levels through artificial recharge to the ground water table by the San Bernardino Municipal Water District has reduced or eliminated the previous subsidence impacts. The EIR concludes that the project and cumulative impacts of developing at the project site are forecast to be nonsignificant without mitigation because of existing recharge programs which have halted subsidence within the region and project area. The City concludes that the existing recharge programs are sufficient to ensure that the existing and future structures will be protected from adverse subsidence impacts and no additional mitigation is required. S. Geotechnical Resources: Dam Inundation Potential Significant Impact: The dam inundation hazards may cause significant damage to existing and future structures that are utilized through implementation of the Specific Plan. Finding: The dam inundation issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The evaluation of consequences from potential dam inundation indicated that the project site lies in an area potentially subject to flooding fi-om failure of the Bear Valley Dam or the proposed Seven Oaks Dam. The analysis of the dam inundation issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant flooding impacts will be precluded by the limited area exposed to flooding(south of the runway)and the recent seismic retrofit of the Bear Valley Dam and the design of the Seven Oaks Dam. No mitigation for dam inundation impacts is required because actions being implemented by other agencies and the lack of exposure to flooding within the project area. Such measures are sufficient to ensure that significant areas of the site are not exposed to flood hazards if dam inundation occurs in the future. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that a small potential for flooding from dam inundation does exist on the southern portion of the project site within the 100-year floodplain of the Santa Ana River. Seismic retrofit of the Bear Valley Dam and seismic design for the Seven Oaks Dam minimize, but do not eliminate, potential dam inundation hazards. The EfR concludes that the project and cumulative impacts of developing at the project site are forecast to be nonsignificant without mitigation because of the limited area exposed to hazards and the seismic design of the two upstream dams. The City concludes that the existing exposure is below a threshold of significance and will ensure that existing and future structures will be protected from adverse flooding impacts and no additional mitigation is required. 6 Geotechnical Resources: Water and Wind Erosion Potential Significant Impact: The potential for water and wind erosion at the project site may cause significant damage to the project site. Finding: The site water and wind erosion issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of soils, under issue 1 above, indicated that the Tujunga soils found on the project site do not pose any significant water erosion hazard due to high percolation and flat topography. The analysis of the water 13 and wind erosion issue presented in the EIR concluded that no potential for significant impacts due to water erosion will occur and no mitigation is required.. The only impact with potential significance is the moderate to high wind erosion potential. This potential impact is not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measure which is a change to the proposed project. This measure is: 1.2 Grading plans shall indicate that wind erosion shall be rniniinized, particularly in areas underlain by Tt junga loamy sand, through application of dust palliatives during grading and other construction or redevelopment activities. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project soils are Tujunga loamy sand and gravelly loamy sand. These soils have low water erosion potential particularly where slopes are gentle as occurs at the project site. Tujunga soils do have a high wind erosion hazard and mitigation is provided to control dust emissions from Tujunga loamy sand soil. The EIR concludes that the project and cumulative impacts of developing on these soils are forecast to be nonsignificant without additional mitigation,except for fugitive dust during construction. The fugitive dust impacts can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The City concludes that water erosion hazard of the onsite soils is less than significant and that mitigation can reduce impacts from potential wind erosion hazards to a nonsignificant level. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 7. Geotechnical Resources:Mineral Resources Potential Significant Impact: The project may preclude use of significant mineral resources located within the project area. Finding: The mineral resource issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The evaluation of consequences of implementing the proposed project on mineral resource values indicated that the project site lies in an area with high potential for sand and gravel resources. The majority of these resources are located on adjacent property, not the area within the IVDA Specific Plan, and the site is already developed which currently prevents access to such resources. The analysis of the mineral resource issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant impact to such resources does not exist because these resources are already not accessible for production and the proposed project will not alter this circumstance.No mitigation for potential mineral resource exploitation is required because such use of the resources are not feasible under present circumstances. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the alluvial deposits underlying a small portion of the IVDA Specific Plan area has a high potential for developable construction aggregate resources. The EIR concludes that the project and cumulative impacts of developing at the project site are forecast to be nonsignificant without mitigation because these resources are not accessible under the present state of development at the project site. The City concludes that the existing site development does preclude development of potential mineral resources and the proposed project impact does not alter this circumstance and is,therefore nonsignificant. No mitigation is required. 8. Water Resources: Sitiface Water Flood Hazard Potential Significant Impact: Portions of the project site are subject to significant flood hazards and implementation of the proposed project could contribute to downstream flooding. 14 Finding: The surface water flood hazard issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The flood hazard evaluation indicated that the project site lies within a flood hazard area and could generate increased surface runoff under the Specific Plan. The analysis of the flood hazard issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant exposure to flood hazards and the generation of surface runoff could significantly damage structures and expose humans to significant hazards if mitigation is not implemented. The potential flood hazard impacts are not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measure. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that flood hazards are reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 2.3 Prior to approval of a building permit far any new construction within the Specific Plan, the applicant shall submit to the City the following documentation fi-om a qualified engineer regarding on-site and off-site drainage: a) After grading, the proposed firstPoor building elevations are located outside the 100 yearflood plain. b) The on-site drainage systeur can accommodate drainage flows fi•out the project site per standard City requirements (i.e., all flows contained within storm drains or within street curb lines). C) The off-site drainage system will not be adversely affected by the project. This can be demonstrated in one of the following ways: 1) The project will not result in any net increase in off-site stortn flows. 2) The downstream flood control system can accommodate any increase in storm flows that will occur as a result of the project. 3) Any increase in scorn flows from the project site are off-set by decreases from other sites within the Specific Plan that drain to the same off-site facilities. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that a limited portion of the project site is within the 100-year flood plain which will affect future uses. The existing golf course falls within this area and mitigation is required to ensure that any future industrial uses in this area are not adversely impacted by flooding. In addition,the construction of the Seven Oaks Dam is forecast to reduce the 100-year flood hazard area and the project site may not be subject to flooding associated with the 100-flood in the future. The project area is already developed with urban level uses, but contains a substantial amount of landscaped area. Future development could increase impervious ground cover and cause increased stormwater runoff into downstream flood control facilities. Based on these data, the site could be exposed to significant flood hazards or expose downstream areas to greater flood hazards. This potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and this measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 9. Water Resources: SuiJace Water Quality Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to downstream degradation of water quality. 15 Finding: The surface water quality issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The water quality evaluation indicated that the utilization of the project site has not historically degraded surface water quality and future uses should not cause this condition to change. However,increased concentrations of pollutants in nonpoint source runoff could degrade surface water quality in the future as a result of implementing the Specific Plan. The analysis of the water quality issue presented in the EIR concluded that the potential for significant water quality degradation does exist if mitigation is not implemented. The potential water quality impacts are not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measure. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that water quality degradation potential is reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 2-2 Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that on-site stonnwater discharge will be mitigated sufficiently to maintain compliance with the City's NPDES Storm Water Discharge Requirements. A Notice of Intent(NOI)shall be filed with the state Water Oitality Control Board for construction disturbing five acres or more of land. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the quality of upper Santa Ana River basin flows is considered excellent. Testing of on-base effluent during periods of storm runoff has also shown that water quality is generally good,with small quantities of oil and other materials that rarely exceed water quality standards. The incremental increase in non-point source pollution is not forecast to cause degradation of surface runoff below the existing thresholds based upon implementing the proposed mitigation. Based on these data, the site could contribute to cumulative downstream water quality degradation fi-om future development under the Specific Plan,but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and this measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 10. Water Resources: Ground Water Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed proiect could contribute to cumulative demand for ground water resources. Finding: The ground water issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The ground water evaluation indicated that implementation of the project is not forecast to significantly increase the cumulative consumption of ground water. The analysis of ground water supplies concluded that the future consumption forecast could be significant and relies upon additional importation and recharge of supplemental water. Mitigation is provided to minimize future consumption through incorporation of water conservation equipment. The potential ground water impacts are not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measure. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that ground water impact potential is reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 2-1 Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that all new consh7lction complies with the latest requirements of the Uniform Building Code regarding water conservation. Facts in Support of Finding I The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that ground water provides most of the water supply (83%) for the project site and valley residents. Ground water quality is generally good, with the exception of shallow contamination by volatile organic compounds,including the TCE plume under the project site related to historic Air Force uses. Project water demand is forecast to remain below preclosure base water demand until the year 2004. By 2015,project 16 i demand would reach about 5,600 acre feet per year. The 1.5 percent increase in total demand created by the project in 2015 was determined not to be project or cumulatively significant based on the ability to offset this demand with supplemental water. Based on these data, the site could contribute to cumulative demand for ground water resources from future development under the Specific Plan,but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and this measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 11. Biological Resources Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could disturb or eliminate identified listed plant and animal species and their habitat. Finding: The biological resources issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and Appendix D. The biological resources evaluation indicated that implementation of the project has the potential to significantly impact important biological resources identified within the project area. The analysis of biological resources concluded that future development,at certain locations within the project area which contain significant biological resources, could cause the loss of individuals and habitat that would be considered significant. Mitigation is provided to eliminate or reduce this impact to a nonsignificant level. The potential biological resource impacts are not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measures. Two alternative mitigation strategies may be employed to minimize project impacts to biological resources. The first strategy would(measure 3-1)avoid sensitive habitat areas and the second strategy would be to offset losses of biological resources in a manner that reduces impacts of development to below a level of significance. Eight mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project so that biological resource impacts are reduced below a significant level. These measures are: 3-1 The project shall be redesigned to avoid all or portions of the following sensitive biological elements on site. Industrial Area-Noa•theast(.Sd) The boundary along the extreme eastern and southern end of this land use area should be redrawn to align with the edge of the concrete pad around the existing building. The proposed southern boundary also extends into the Santa Area River woolly star habitat. This boundary line should be redrawn fia•ther to the north. Industrial Area-Southern (Jb) i The proposed industrial design will include various sites along the southern boundary that impact a section of the Santa Ana River and the alluvial fan scrub habitat. There are at least Aw areas that clearly impact sensitive biological resources. The first area extends beyond the existing boundaries ies at the northeastern part of the golf tour se. The second area extends down tle road leading from the golf course to Central Avenue. These extensions should be redrawn to match the existing boundaries of the golf course and should not extend south beyond the northern levee of the Santa Ana River. 17 Industrial Area-Southwestern(Sc) The third site is at the extreme southwestern corner of the site,south of Central Avenue. The southern half of this land use area impacts a number of sensitive biological resources. This land use area should be eliminated. Recreational Open Space Area(7a) The proposed design may or many not impact the unnamed tributary to Warm Creek. Recommended mitigation is to ensure that project design does not require alteration or elimination of this unnamed drainage. If redesign is not possible, then mitigation for the loss ofjurisdictional wetland will be required. International Trade Center(8) The proposed design may or many not impact the unnamed tributary to Warm Creek. Recommended mitigation is to ensure that project design does not require alteration or elimination of this unnamed drainage. If redesign is not possible, then mitigation for the loss of jurisdictional wetland will be required. 3-2 At the time of individual environmental assessments for all fnrture project phases in all areas except the International Trade Center,the City,in consultation with a qualified biologist,shall determine whether additional spring surveys (April and MaO are needed for individual project phases that are affected by construction and development activities. The purpose for subsequent surveys is to cor f nn the presence of any of the species listed below. These species may not have been previously identified either due to the timing of the surveys or because adequate surveys were not completed. The surveys, if needed, shall concentrate on areas within proposed limits of grading that may support targeted sensitive plant and animal species. The results of these surveys shall be documented in a report submitted to the City. The surveys shall focus on, but not be limited to, the following species: • Slender-horned spinefower • Parry's spinefower • Western burrowing owl • Los Angeles pocket mouse • Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, • San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat. In the event that these species are not present, or if they will not be significantly impacted by the development due to project design, no mitigation will be required The following actions will be required if one or more of these species is detected during the surveys. For each sensitive plant species found within areas subject to project impacts, a detailed seeding/planting program shall be implemented. If agreeable to the resource agencies, the recommended mitigation shall be the transplantation and/or collection of seed from existing populations for ultimate use on a selected mitigation site. Specifications related to seed collection,planting, maintenance and performance standards should be developed in accordance with consultation with these agencies. Transplantation of the two spinejlower species would not be suitable because these species are annual. 18 For each sensitive wildlife species, the level of impact will need to be determined. If a determination is made that the impact will be significant, it is recommended that mitigation take the form of the replacement of lost habitat as determined appropriate by the CDFG and USFWS. Transplantation of individual animals is not recommended as a mitigation measure due to its very low success rate. 3-3 Prior to the development of arty areas containing Riversidian Alluvial Fan Scrub, a mitigation plan shall be developed and approved by the resource agencies with jurisdiction over this habitat. Mitigation for this habitat will take the form of designated protected area either on or off site to be set aside in perpetuity. The designation and protection of these areas shall be discussed with the CDFG. If off-site mitigation is not possible, replacement of lost habitat shall be required, to the satisfaction of the CDFG. 3-4 Prior to the development of any areas containing wetland or riparian resources, a mitigation plan shall be developed and approved by resource agencies with jurisdiction over this habitat. Mitigation for the loss of weilan&riparian habitat types will be provided by replacement with habitat of equal or greater area and value. Conceptually, this would entail the development of riparian habitat at a selected site that does not currently support wetland1riparian or other sensitive habitats. Species that should be considered for use in the riparian replacement site include native species such as mulefat, willows, and cottonwood trees and appropriate site- native undersimy species. An integrated riparian habitat mitigation plan will be developed as part of the more detailed pernnitting/agreement processes with the Corpus and CDFG and will include input from the USF VS and CDFG. Permit conditions that will be set forth by the Corps as parr of the 404 pernit process and by the CDFG in a Streambed Alteration Agreement will make habitat nhitigatiorr for these areas a legally binding obligatiorn. The current policies of these agencies require projects to incorporate measures to replace or avoid riparian and wetland habitat so as to achieve no net loss of these sensitive resources. The riparian habitat mitigation plan submitted to the Corps and CDFG for approval will follow the "Habitat Afitigation and Monitoring Proposal Guidelines" established by the Corps, Los Angeles District in June, 1993. These guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following items: • A clear statement of the goals of the proposed mitigation plan that establishes the amount and type of habitat to be established. • The plat shall provide a description of each strategy proposed for establishment of replacement habitat and a brief explanation of the rationale behind each mitigation strategy to be employed. • Graphic exhibits will be included that precisely depict the location(s)and area(s) where habitat establishment shall be undertaken. Exhibits shall display engineer's plans for an' eanhwork required, including grading and contouring, and any hydrological management devices, such as drop sirnnciures, weirs, etc., that may be installed. 19 • Plant palettes for the riparian habitat will be selected to replicate as closely as possible the native constituents of existing cottonwood/willow riparian woodland and inule/at scrub communities resent within the impacted areas on the site. I P P • The Plan shall name the responsible parties and provide general implementation specifications establishing the mitigation project schedule and site preparation requirements. Specifications for the establishment of appropriate native vegetation shall include tithing ofplanting,standards for plant materials,planting techniques, spacing, irrigation(if any),site maintenance,supervision and documentation, and performances standards. • The plan shall describe planned maintenance activities on the planting site(s), including irrigation system inspection,plant replacement,pest control, and removal Of weeds and trash. • 'the plan shall set forth the monitoring methods and pet fornhance criteria to be used to detennine whether the pan has achieved its goals. Success criteria will establish the target fiutctions and values the mitigation site habitat is intended to provide. Final mitigation site design plans will be subject to agency approval. Implementation of the measures outlined above, which is expected to be required as part of the project permit conditions, will mitigate the project's impacts on both Streantbed Resources and Riparian Habitat to below a level of significance. 3-5 Prior to development in areas of sensitive biological habitat, a qualified biologist or other natural resources specialist(e.g., arborist)shall be retained as a construction monitor, to ensure that incidental construction impacts on biological resources are avoided, or limited to a minimum. Monitoring should occur in Ihose sections(?f the aviation air port related use, golf course/industrial and industrial areas that are currently undeveloped open space. Typical responsibilities of the construction monitor include the following. • Monitor shall attend at least one meeting prior to the pregrade conference(s)to ensure that tinting/location of construction activities do not con flict with mitigation requirements(e.g., seasonal surveys for plants, reptiles, etc.). I 20 • Prior to commencement of grading: 1. Review/designate the construction area in the field with the contractor and the designated inspector in accordance with the final grading plan approved by the appropriate agency. Haul roads and access roads should be sited within grading areas identified in the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)documentation. If activities outside these limits are necessary, they should be evaluated for consistency with the CEQA documentation. 2. Supervise cordoning of preserved natural areas that lie outside grading areas identified in CEQA documentation (e.g., with temporary fence posts and colored rope). Fence posts or similar obstructions should be located outside of active streambed channels. 3. Conduct afield review of the staling(to be set by the sinvevoi)designating the limits of all construction activity. Any construction activity areas immediately adjacent to riparian areas orothersensitive resources may be fogged or temporarily fenced by the monitor, at his discretion. 4. Conduct an educational session with the contractor(including field superintendent and other key construction personnel) and designated inspec•to•, describing the importance of restricting work to designated areas. The monitor should also discuss procedures for minimizing har•ni/har•assnnent of wildlife encountered during construction. • Construction personnel should be prohibited from entry into areas outside the designated contspvction area,excepifornecessmy construction related activities,such as surveying. All such construction activities should be coordinated with the monitor. • The monitor should be present periodically on the site during construction to coordinate and monitor compliance with the above provisions. • Upon completion of construction, the contractor should be held responsible to restore any haul roads and access roads that are outside of approved grading limits. This restoration should be done in consuhation with the monitor. • If construction activities are conducted during the nesting/breeding season (typically February through Juh), the constrtiction monitor should, at the pre-grade conference for each phase of grading, determine: 1)the need for, and 2)the fi•egnencv of monitoring for nesting birds protected by the Migratory Bird"Treaty,Act and/or Endangered Species Act. if monitoring is determined to be necessary,the qualified specialist should monitor construction activities in the designated areas. Arty bird nests discovered should be reported to the appropriate agency,project applicant,and any necessary State or federal agencies. Removal of observed nests should be done only in compliance with the federal A/igraiory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act, or applicable permits. 3-6 Prior to development in areas adjacent to sensitive biological habitat, evidence shall be presented y the project applicant, to the Director of Planning and Building that prospective occupants and users of r edevelopment areas have been clearly,advised of the implications of human activity adjacent to natural open space areas. To accomplish this, the project 21 applicant,or agents and assigns,should prepare a written statement that includes discussions of the following types of issues: • Warnings of dangers and nuisances posed by wildlife that may forage at the development edge(e.g., coyotes in the Santa Arta River). • Responsibilities and benefits associated with development near a wildland area. • Fuel modification and fire management Plan as approved by the Fire Chief Fuel modification area typically extend outside proposed development boundaries. Additional impacts to sensitive resources ntav occur as a result. • Developmentofa lighting plan to minimize light spillage in areas adjacent to open space areas, including the golf course to be approved by the City Engineer. • Eliminate use of rodenticide. This statement should be written to foster an appreciation of native ecosystems, and to identify measures that should be taken to minimize conflicts between wildlife, domestic animals,and humans. 3-7 Prohibit expanded use beyond current levels of rodenticides in or near areas of potential habitat for San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat and other sensitive rodent species. U'ltere practicable, reduce or eliminate existing use of rodenticides near these areas. 3-8 Prior to approval of anv landscape plans, evidence shall be presented to the Director of Planning and Building Services that the project applicant, or agents and assigns, have prepared landscape design guidelines that describe adverse ecological effects associated with non-native,invasive plants. These guidelines should be provided to all proposed land users and used during the review antd approval process for all landseciping plans. Disposal of cuttings of any ornamental plants in on-site or off-site open space areas should be strictly prohibited. Use of non-native,invasive plants should be controlled, as described in the following sections. Prohibited Species Non-native plants that are potentially,invasive via airborne seeds, or that are particularly d fficult to control once escaped,should be prohibited for all parts of the project, including the golf course. Such species include, but are not limited to, the following: • Tree-of-heaven(Ailanthus spp.) • Giant reed(Arundo donax) • Garland chnysanthemtun (Chiysanthemunt coronarium) • Pampas grass(Coriaderia spp.) • Brooms(Cytisus spp.) • Bermuda butter cup(Oxalis pes-caprae) • Fountain/Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum spp.) • German ivv(Senecio mikanoides) • Periwinkle (Vinca spp.) 22 • Tamarisk(Tamarix spp.) • Sprangle top(lamarck-ia aurea) Permitted Species Some invasive, exotic species are known to be controllable in well managed habitat preserves. Such species may be used in project landscaping and golf course plantings, if a qualified biologist approves the species and proposed use, and the proposed use of herbicides,pesticides and rodenticides. Non- native, invasive species that could be used under these circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: • Hottentot-fig (Caipobrotus edulis) (Should be prohibited in areas adjacent to natural open spaces. • Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) (Hybrid Bermuda grass, which is sterile or produces only sterile seed,should be permitted on the golf course fairways, tees,or greens, when surrounded by an appropriate buf/er a an apron of non-invasive grass species(to prevent vegetative spread into natural areas.)) • Afyoponan (14,oporuin laetum) • Pepper Trees(Schinus spp) • Cape honeysuckle(Tecomaria capensis) (Should be prohibited in areas adjacent to natural open spaces.). Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the proposed project will not adversely affect wildlife movement but it does have a potential to significantly affect sensitive species(Santa Ana River woolly star,Slender- horned spineflower(listed as endangered plants),Arroyo southwestern toad, Western spadefoot toad, Southwestern pond turtle,Western burrowing owl,Delhi sands flower loving fly, Yuma myotis,foraging raptors and many other species). In addition,sensitive plant communities, Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub and Wetland/riparian,exist on-site and may be adversely impacted by the proposed project. The development impacts associated with implementation of the Specific Plan were determined not to be project or cumulatively significant based on the ability to avoid or offset these impacts by implementing the proposed mitigation measures. Based on these data,the implementation of the Specific Plan could cause significant adverse effects on biological resources, but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and these measures will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 12. Cultural Resources Potential Significant Impact: hnplementation of the proposed project Could disturb or eliminate identified cultural resources and their context. Finding: The cultural resources issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The cultural resources evaluation indicated that implementation of the project has no potential to significantly impact important cultural resources because none are identified within the project area. The analysis of biological resources concluded that future development has no potential to cause the loss of resources that would be considered significant. During the comment period, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians submitted comments expressing concern over potential Native American cultural resources that may be located within the project area. Mitigation was developed to eliminate or reduce any impact to such resources to a nonsignificant level. The potential cultural resource impacts are not considered significant 23 after implementing the following mitigation measure. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that cultural resource impacts are reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 4-1 In the event archaeological remains are encountered during grading, work shall be stopped immediately or redirected until a City approved archaeologist is retained by the applicant to evaluate the significance of the find pursuant to CEQA Guidelines. If remains are found to be significant,they shall be subject to f n4her testing, excavation/mitigation,preservation in- situ,or avoidance,subject to approval by the Director of Planning and Building Services. If such significant resources include prehistoric native American artifacts, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will be notified and afforded an opportunity to provide input to the management plan. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the proposed project will not adversely affect cultural resources because no sensitive cultural resources have been identified within the project area. No archaeological or historical resources were identified during extensive surveys of the property by the Air Force. However,during the Draft EIR comment period,the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians indicated that important Native American resources may be located within the project area and that special care must be taken to protect and preserve such resources. The potential cultural resource impacts associated with implementation of the Specific Plan were determined not to be project or cumulatively significant based on the ability to avoid or offset these impacts by implementing the proposed mitigation measure. Based on these data,the implementation of the Specific Plan could cause significant adverse effects on cultural resources,but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and this measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 13. Land Use: Population and Employment Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed pro.iect could cause negative increases in population. Finding: The employment and population issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The employment evaluation indicated that implementation of the project will significantly benefit regional employment and will increase the regional population. These changes are considered to be a significant benefit to the Inland Empire area. The analysis of employment and population concluded that Iuture development has no potential to cause the effects on population and employment that would be considered significant. The potential population and employment impacts are not considered adverse;they are considered significant and beneficial. No mitigation is required because of the beneficial effects of these impacts. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the proposed project will create 26,000 jobs over the 20-40 year period of implementation. This is 17,000 more jobs, 2.7 times,than existed at the Base prior to its closure. The project is forecast to increase area population by about 29,500 persons at project buildout,which is about five percent of population forecast for the Inland Empire in 2015. No cumulative adverse population or employment impacts are forecast to occur from implementation of the proposed project. Based on these facts,the City concludes that potential population and employment impacts from implementing the proposed project will be beneficial and not significantly adverse without any mitigation or other changes to the project. 24 14. Land Use: On-site Land Use Compatibility Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could cause incompatible land uses within the project area. Finding: The on-site land use compatibility issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and the Specific Plan. The on-site compatibility evaluation indicated that implementation of the project will result in intemally compatible and supportive land uses. The analysis of on-site land use compatibility presented in the EIR concluded that land uses on-site are internally complementary and support adjacent uses, including the airport.The potential on-site land use compatibility impacts are not considered significantly adverse. No mitigation is required because of the compatible land use balance contained n the Specific Plan for the project site. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the proposed project will create a balance of office,commercial,industrial and open space uses within the 616 acre project area. The project encompasses 15 acres of neighborhood commercial use,29.2 acres of tourist commercial use;44.5 acres of office use; 54.5 acres of research and development uses;291.2 acres of industrial use; 14.7 acres of recreation commercial use;25.6 acres of recreation open space use;and 141.5 acres of international trade center use. These uses are balanced throughout the project site in a manner to support and not conflict with adjacent uses. No cumulative adverse on-site land use compatibility impacts are forecast to occur from implementation of the proposed project. Based on these facts,the City concludes that potential on-site land use compatibility impacts fi-om the proposed project will not be adverse without any mitigation or other changes to the project. IS. Land Use: Off-site Land Use Compatibility Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could cause incompatible land uses in areas adjacent to the project site. Finding: The off-site land use compatibility issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and the Specific Plan. The off-site compatibility evaluation indicated that implementation of the project will result in potential incompatible land uses along the west side of the project site and in the area adjacent to the Santa Ana River on the southern portion of the project site. The analysis of o$'-site land use compatibility presented in the EIR concluded that land use compatibility off-site does have a potential for significant incompatibility if mitigation is not implemented. The potential off site land use compatibility impacts are not considered significantly adverse after implementing the following mitigation measures. Two mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project so that the land use compatibility effects of the project are reduced below a significant level. These measures are: 5-1 Prior to the approval of building permits for any Specific Plan land uses within 100 feet of existing residential uses(inchnding on-site residential units utilized f or on interim period), the project proponent shall lake measures to ensure the compatibility of the proposed use with the existing residential uses. Such measures shall include, but not be limited to: • Establishment of a mininnrtn setback of S0 feet from any proposed buildings to existing residential units. • Restrictions on the use of residential streets by industrial/commercial traffic The measures tit,ill be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director, City of San Bernardino(or his designee)prior to the approval of building permits for such uses. 25 5-2 Prior to the issuance of building permits for any industrial uses in parcels abutting the Santa Ana River,IVDA shall prepare and the City shall review and approve a set of detailed design standards for development along the river edge to ensue that the proposed uses will not adversely affect the recreational, water resource, or biological resources along the river. Said standards shall establish the following: • Minimum building setbacks from riverbanks. • Minimum setbacks from biologically sensitive areas. • Architecture treatments for facilities adjacent to the river to ensure visual compatibility. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the proposed project will create a potential for incompatibilities on the west side of the project site where residential and mixed land use's may be in conflict with the industrial trade center and office and neighborhood commercial uses. The industrial land uses proposed along the Santa Ana River are also identified as having a potential for significant land use conflicts. No cumulative adverse off-site land use compatibility impacts are forecast to occur from implementation of the proposed project as no other land use changes are proposed to occur. Based on these data,the City concludes that potential off-site land use compatibility impacts from the proposed project may occur, but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and these measures will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 16 Hazardous Waste/Hazardous Materials Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could be adversely affected by existing contamination and future use of hazardous materials allowed by the project could cause future contamination. Finding: The hazardous waste/hazardous materials issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and the Specific Plan. The existing contamination from past use of hazardous materials and inadequate management of hazardous waste affects portions of the project site and could significantly affect future uses allowed by the Specific Plan. Future use of hazardous materials and generation of hazardous wastes on within the project area will be controlled by existing city,state and federal laws and regulations that strictly control the storage, generation and disposal of such materials. Implementation of the project may result in significant adverse impacts from existing site contamination if mitigation is not implemented. No mitigation is required for future activities involving hazardous materials and wastes because the existing regulatory structure is adequate to ensure significant adverse impacts do not result fi-om this use. The potential hazardous material/waste impacts are not considered significantly adverse after implementing the following mitigation measures. Two mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project so that the use of hazardous materials and generation of hazardous waste effects of the project are reduced below a significant level. These measures are: 6-1 Prior to approval of anv building permit or grading permit within the project area, the applicant shall provide written evidence to the Planning and Building Services Director, City of San Bernardino, that the Air Force has released the site for development, and that the proposed development will not hinder efforts to clean up the TCE plume. 6-2 Prior to the approval of any building permit or grading permit within the project area, the applicant shall provide written evidence to the Planning and Building,S'ervices Director, City 26 of San Bernardino, that an individual site survey meeting City of San Bernardino requirements for hazardous waste has been conducted Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the proposed project will create a potential for exposure of future uses to contaminated sites that were a result of Air Force use of the site. The Air Force has identified 22 contaminated sites and continues to examine portions of the former base for additional contamination. The Master Lease which transferred the property to the IVDA commits the Air Force to remediate any Air Force caused residual contamination exceeding regulatory standards that is discovered on the property. The IVDA has a program to examine sites as they are developed and monitors activities as new ground is disturbed within the project area. The EIR concluded that no cumulative adverse hazardous material or waste impacts are forecast to occur from implementation of the proposed project if the mitigation proposed is implemented for past contamination. Based on these data,the City concludes that potential existing hazardous material/waste impacts to future uses of the project site may occur,but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. No significant hazardous material/waste impacts are forecast to occur fi,om future activities because of the existing strict regulatory structure in place for such materials and wastes. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and these measures will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 17. Traffic: Existing Phis Project Traffic Potential Significant Impact: Additional traffic generated by the implementation of the Specific Plan could cause significant deterioration of traffic flow on the affected circulation system. Finding: The project traffic impact issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) contained in a separate volume. The discussion of the increased traffic from the implementation of the Specific Plan indicated that the project could cause or contribute to significant deterioration of traffic flow at twenty-one intersections through the area. With recommended changes, the proposed project does not contribute to further deterioration in traffic flow on the freeways. The potential traffic flow impacts at these intersections are not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measures. Two mitigation measures were identified in the EIR that change the project so that the prgject's contributions to significant impact at the affected intersections and freeways can be reduced to a nonsignificant level. These measures are: 7.1 Anv Specific Plan project shall contribute, on a frir share basis, to mitigation of traffic impacts. Contributions shall be by one of the following: a) Implementation of the recommended intersection, traffic lane or freeway improvements listed in the EIR and 714. b) Payment of dollar equivalent of the improvements to specific fiords for said improvements. C) Implementation of additional capacity on parallel routes to offset impacts on existing routes. Such additional capacity shall be approved by the City prior to implementation credits being allowed The City recognizes a total of 46,520 vehicle trips from the redevelopment status of the Base. Intplenientation or mitigation measures shall not be required until this level of trips is generated from the Specific Plan area. Exception to the above will apply where intersection 27 or lane configurations operate below level of service D. The SBITC will implement an aggressive TDM program throughout the SBITC to further mitigate potential vehicle trip impacts of the project, but will rely on actual field conditions and counts to determine level of service and intersection capacity. 7-2 Prior to the approval of more than 100,000 gross square feet of new development on the site, the IVDA shall adopt a specific Transportation Demand Management(TDM)program to reduce the overall trip generation of the project. Elements of the TDAY shall include measures to implement the following: a) Establishment of an on-site transportation center to distribute information on alternative transit modes and facilitate car-pooling. b) Development of a Master Plan of bus stops and construction of bus tarn-outs within the project street system. C) Provision of preferred parking for car-pools f w a/1 project sites. d) Provision of bicycle commuting facilities such cis bicycle racks and/or lockers. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project has a potential to cause or contribute to significant deterioration of traffic flow at twenty-one intersections and portions of freeways from combined existing traffic,cumulative growth in traffic,and the proposed project. The TIA,Tables O and P, indicate that all intersections and freeway segments will operate at an acceptable LOS with the project after implementing identified mitigation. The EIR concludes that the project will cause significant traffic impacts without implementing the measures identified above which reference the specific mitigation contained in the TIA. With mitigation,the project traffic impacts can be reduced so no traffic flow is forecast to experience significant deterioration. Based on these data, the City concludes that the potential project traffic impacts can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and these measures will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and during mitigation monitoring. 18. Noise: Constt~ttctioti Activity Potential Significant Impact: Construction activities from demolition,grading and paving activities could cause noise levels to exceed City significance thresholds at adjacent residences. Finding: The construction noise issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The noise evaluation indicated that project constriction activities could exceed the City's noise thresholds for noise sensitive uses,such as the adjacent residential area to the west of the project site. The potential construction noise impacts are not considered significant for any of the three construction activities after implementing the following mitigation measures. Six mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change project so that noise levels can be reduced to a nonsignificant level. These measures are: 8-1 Consauction shall be restricted to between 7:00 a.in. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays(8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.on Saturdat). No consh7tction shall take place on Sundays or federal holidays. 8-2 Construction equipment (both fixed and mobile) shall be equipped and maintained with properlyfttnctioning mufflers. 28 8-3 Stockpiling and vehicle staging areas shall be located as far as practical fi-orn noise sensitive area. 8-4 Teniporary noise ban•iers shall be used when construction is to be petformed within 450feet of residential units or 250 feet of commercial units. 8-5 Low noise level equipment shall be utilized. 8-6 Noisv activities shall be planned to occur together, whenever practical. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project will cause none levels at adjacent residences to exceed 65 dB which is a sufficient change in the noise environment to be a significant impact. The analysis in the EIR concluded that aggregate construction activities may be as high as 89 dBA at 50 feet from the source. The distance from the source area to the 65 dBA L,noise contour would be 446 feet for an eight hour construction day under this circumstance. The EIR concludes that the project and cumulative impact to the noise environment will be significant without mitigation. With mitigation, the construction activity noise levels can be reduced below 65 db L, which is considered a nonsignificant impact. Based on these data,the City concludes that the potential construction noise impacts can be maintained at a nonsignificant level or can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementation of the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and these measures will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and during mitigation monitoring. 19. Noise: Aircraft Generated Noise Potential Significant Impact: Noise from aircraft operations at the San Bernardino International Airport could adversely affect existing and future land uses. Finding: The an"crafl operation noise issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The noise evaluation indicated that aircraft operation activities at the Airport are not forecast to exceed the City's noise thresholds for uses proposed within the project area. The analysis of aircraft noise presented in the EIR concluded that no significant aircraft noise/land use conflicts would occur if the project is implemented. No mitigation is required. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project will not cause noise levels at the noise sensitive portions of the project site to exceed 65 dB L,,,,. This is not a sufficient change in the noise environment to be a significant impact.No cumulative adverse incompatibility due to noise is forecast to occur if the project is implemented as proposed. Based on these data,the City concludes that the potential aircraft operation noise levels can be maintained below the compatibility threshold for the uses contained within the Specific Plan without any mitigation. 20. Public Services and Utilities: Police Services Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to significant cumulative demand for police services. Finding: The site police service issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of police services indicates that the project will contribute to potentially significant demand for police service. The analysis of the police service issue presented in the EM concluded that no potential for significant impacts 29 due to increased demand by the project will occur if required mitigation is implemented. Two mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project so that police service impacts of the project are reduced below a significant level. These measures are: 10-1 The project proponent shall pay the project's fair-share portion of fees to the City to cover additional capital improvement costs for police protection and fire prevention services. Facilities may be provided in lieu of payment of fees. The appropriate fee share offacilities will be specified in a project finance plan to be approved by the City. Until such time as a project finance plan is approved,project specific agreements between the City and IVDA may be negotiated to ensure adequate facilities for police and fire services. 10-2 Project design plans will incorporate security features, such as adequate night lighting around building exteriors(per City standards), low-vegetation landscaping and clear drive- up areas for emergency vehicles. The adequacy,of the security features will be reviewed as Part of the plan check process;the project design must be approved by the City as part of the project review process(prior to issuance of building permits). Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project demand for police services has a potential to contribute significant demand for police services. The level of projected development may require additional officers and support personnel in the Police Department. Based on these data,the City concludes that potentially significant police service impacts may occur but this impact can be reduced to a nonsignificant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 21. Public Services and Utilities: Fire Protection Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to significant cumulative demand for fire protection. Finding: The site fire protection issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of fire protection services indicates that the project will contribute to potentially significant demand for such service. The analysis of the fire protection service issue presented in the EIR concluded that no potential for significant impacts due to increased demand by the project will occur if required mitigation is implemented. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that fire protection service impacts of the project are reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 10-1 The project proponent shall pay the project's fair-share portion of fees to the City to cover additional capital improvement costs for police protection and fire prevention services. Facilities argy be provided in lieu of payment of fees. The appropriate fee share of facilities will be specified in a project finance plan to be approved fw the City. Until such time as a project finance plan is approved,project specific agreements benveen the City and iVDA may be negotiated to ensure adequate facilities for police and fire services. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project demand for fire protection services has a potential to contribute significant demand for such services. The level of projected development may require additional infrastructure,officers and support personnel in the Fire Department in order to meet future demand by the project. Based on these data,the City concludes that potentially significant fire protection service impacts may occur but this impact can 30 be reduced to a nonsignificant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 22. Public Services and Utilities: Water Supply Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to cumulative demand for water supply resources. Finding: The water supply issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and the Specific Plan. As noted in the ground water evaluation(Issue#10),implementation of the project is not forecast to significantly increase the cumulative consumption of ground water. The analysis of water supply concluded that the existing infi-astiucture is inadequate to meet future consumption and could be significant. Mitigation is provided to ensure that infrastructure is expanded to meet future water flow and delivery requirements. The potential water supply impacts are not considered significant after implementing the following mitigation measure. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that water supply impact is reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 10-2 Specific Plan development that would exceed nine million square feet (combined with development on the SBIA site)will require evaluation of the system in place at that time to determine the need for any additional water service facilities. If additional facilities are required, the IVDA will coordinate with the Cihv of San bernardino Municipal Water Department to specify the additional water demand to be generated by the development expansion, and the extent of any additional system facilities that would be required The 1 D.4 will secure coy f rmation of service capability from the Water Department to serve the additional development above nine million square feet, but not exceeding l l million square feet as specified in the Norton Air Force Base A/aster Plan. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that ground water provides most of the water supply (83%)for the project site and valley residents. Project water demand is forecast to remain below preclosure base water demand until the year 2004. By 2015,project demand would reach about 5,600 acre feet per year. The water supply infrastructure is considered adequate to serve nine million square feet of office,commercial and industrial uses,but beyond this level the system is considered inadequate without augmentation. Based on these data, the proposed project could contribute to cumulative demand for additional water supply infi-astucture,but this potential impact can be reduced below a significant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended change in the project is the responsibility of the City and this measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 23. Public Services and Utilities: Wasleivater Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to significant cumulative demand for wastewater treatment capacity. Finding: The project wastewater issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of wastewater service capacity indicates that the project will contribute to potentially significant demand for such service and will require the expansion of a short segment of pipeline delivery capacity. The analysis of the wastewater service issue presented in the EIR concluded that no potential for significant impacts due to increased demand by the project will occur if required mitigation is implemented. Three mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project so that wastewater service impacts of 31 the project are reduced below a significant level. These measures are: 10-4 Development in excess of nine million square feet(combined with development on the SBIA site)or that generates wastewater over one million gallons per day in the connection line to the City's sewerage system will require evaluation of the systenr in place to determine the potential need for additional sewer service facilities. In the event that the project system requires expansion,the IVDA will arrange with the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department to provide for the necessary additional facilities. The IVDA will secure confirmation of service capability fi•orn the Department to serve the additional development beyond nine million square feet as specified in the Norton Air Force Base Master Plan and/or one million gallons per day in the City connection line. 10-5 Engineering analysis will be conducted and design plans prepared for a gravity flow sewerage systenr adequate to contain and distribute the projected development wastewater flow fom the golf course area. The system will be designed to connect with the balance of the sewerage ststein on site,as well as the City sewer lines off site. Plans will be submitted to the City public(Boils Department for review drn•ing the plan check period. Approval of the final design plans shall be required prior to issuance of building permits for planned development in the golf course area(Area 20). 10-6 A Facilities Repair and maintenance Plan shall be prepared and submitted to the City of San Bernardino rtlunicipal If,'ater Department. The plan shall specify repair and preventative maintenance tasks for the water lines and facilities, such as clearing out of existing pipes, repairing line breaks,videotaping conditions inside the pipes, and relining the existing pipes tivhen appropriate during project phasing. The plan will identifi,the responsible party for task implementation,frequency of maintenance and oversight reviewleheckfor adequacy. The plan will be approved by the City prior to issuance o/f roje ct building permits. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project demand for wastewater management services has a potential to contribute significant demand for such services and infrastructure. The level of projected development may require installation of additional relief sewer lines over an estimated 2,800 feet to accommodate future growth projected for the Specific Plan area. Based on these data,the City concludes that potentially significant wastewater management service impacts may occur but this impact can be reduced to a nonsignificant level in accordance with implementing the mitigation measures proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 24. Public Services and Utilities: Solid Waste Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to significant cumulative demand for solid waste capacity. Finding: The project solid waste issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of solid waste capacity issues indicates that the project will contribute to potentially significant cumulative demand for such capacity. The analysis of the solid waste capacity issue presented in the EIR concluded that no potential for significant impacts due to increased demand by the project will occur if required mitigation is implemented. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that solid waste capacity impacts of the project are reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 32 10-7 Provision of solid waste collection services for development beyond nine million square feet within the project will be evaluated by the IVDA in coordination with the City. Prior to construction of phases of the project that would generate solid waste service demand above the capacity of existing resources, the IVDA will implement the City's adopted program to reduce solid waste production,pursuant to A.B. 939. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project demand for solid waste capacity has a potential to contribute significant demand for such capacity. The project at buildout would generate approximately 36 tons of trash per day which represents an increase of approximately 2.4 percent over the City's projection without base reuse. Based on these data,the City concludes that potentially significant solid waste capacity impacts may occur but this impact can be reduced to a nonsignificant level in accordance with implementation of the mitigation measure proposed for this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. 25. Public Services and Utilities: Electricity, Nattn•al Gas, Telephone and Cable Television Potential Significant Impact: Implementation of the proposed project could contribute to significant cumulative demand for utility(electricity,natural gas,telephone and cable television)capacity. Finding: The project utility issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR. The discussion of utility infi-astucture issues indicates that the project will contribute to potentially significant cumulative demand for infrastructure capacity. The analysis of the utility infrastructure capacity issue presented in the EIR concluded that no potential for significant impacts due to increased demand by the project will occur if required mitigation is implemented. One mitigation measure has been identified in the EIR that changes the project so that utility infrastructure capacity impacts of the project are reduced below a significant level. This measure is: 10-8 During the project design review process(each phase as submitted),final design plans will be submitted to all pertinent utility providers (e.g., Southern California Edison, The Gas Company,General Telephone)for review and deter Mirtation(?f ability to service the proposed project. Receipt of written verification J•orn the utility providers of ability to serve the project will be required prim to issuance of building permits. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project demand for utility infrastructure capacity has a potential to contribute significant demand for such capacity. The project at buildout would generate demand for utility connections that exceed the cun-ent capacity of the infi-astucture serving the base. Based on these data,the City concludes that potentially significant utility infrastructure capacity impacts may occur but this impact can be reduced to a nonsignificant level in accordance with implementation of the mitigation measure proposed lbr this issue. The recommended changes in the project are the responsibility of the City and the mitigation measure will be implemented by the City as part of its review and approval authority and in accordance with mitigation monitoring requirements. This completes the discussion of those impacts that are either non-significant without mitigation as outlined in the EIR or can be reduced to an insignificant level with implementation of recommended mitigation measures in the EIR. 33 E. SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT Despite incorporating changes and alterations into the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan Project (proposed action), three environmental categories were found to have unavoidable, significant adverse environmental effects. The following environmental issues addressed in the EIR were forecast to experience significant impacts: cumulative operational noise, construction air emissions, and project cumulative air emissions. The potential impacts for the above issues were concluded to be significant because the impacts could not be reduced below thresholds of significance by the proposed project changes and mitigation measures (i.e., the impacts are unavoidable). Thus, the potential for significant effects to occur for these issues would continue to exist (at least for the short-term) regardless of whether or not the City or other agencies implement the project changes and mitigation measures contained in the EIR. These three impact categories, the impacts they will incur, and the mitigation measures (project changes) designed to minimize them to the degree feasible are summarized in the following discussion. 1. Noise: Cumulaiive Traffic Noise Significant Unavoidable Impact: Traffic from development and operation of land uses permitted by the Specific Plan and facility activities is forecast to cause cumulative traffic noise levels to exceed City significance thresholds along routes to the project site. Finding: The cumulative traffic noise issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 of the EIR and the TIA,compiled in a separate volume. The cumulative traffic noise evaluation indicated that future full development activities at the site will contribute to cumulative traffic volumes that will cause noise levels to exceed the 65 dB noise compatibility threshold along several streets providing access to the facility. The EIR concluded that the project operations would contribute to the cumulatively significant traffic noise on these access roads because the noise compatibility threshold will be exceeded by the cumulative traffic forecast. The EfR does not identify mitigation measures that can reduce cumulative traffic noise impacts because the residences are already established along these routes and no feasible means of mitigating noise impacts has been identified. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project will contribute to cumulatively significant noise levels along San Bernardino Avenue,Tippecanoe Avenue,Alabama Street,and Greenspot Road east of SR-30. This project plus cumulative traffic causes a sufficient change in the background noise environment to be a significant impact along these routes. Pages 4.8-11 through 4.8-17 and Figures 4.8.3 and 4.8.4 EIR list the forecast noise level change that results in the forecast significant noise impact. Based on these data, the City concurs that the potential Specific Plan buildout contribution to cumulative traffic noise impacts should be considered an unavoidable significant adverse impact at the residences located adjacent to these sheets. No additional mitigation measures were identified in the responses to comments that need to be considered at this time. Therefore, the City finds that no mitigation measures are available to reduce the cumulative traffic noise increase to a level below the City's noise compatibility standard of 65 dB Ld,. Based on these facts,the City concludes that the proposed project has the potential to cause a significant adverse effect on the local noise environment and that the project contributes to cumulative noise impacts that remain unavoidable and acceptable due to overriding considerations as outlined at the end of this document. 3 4 2. Air Resources: Construction Emissions Significant Unavoidable Impact: Construction emissions fi-om demolition,grading and paving activities could exceed regional thresholds and contribute to continued significant air quality degradation. Finding: The construction air quality issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 and Appendix G of the EIR. The air resources evaluation indicated that project construction emissions foi-carbon monoxide(CO),reactive organic compounds(ROC),sulfur oxides(SO.)and particulate matter(PM,,)were found,on average, to be above the thresholds of significance established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)without specific mitigation. After mitigation, the construction emission impacts remain potentially significant. Nine mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project,but these measures do not reduce emissions so that they fall below significance thresholds. These measures are: 9-1 Prior to the issuance of airy grading or building permits, the project sponsor shall submit to the City a mitigation plan for both exhaust and dust impacts. No construction will be conducted prior to acceptance of this plan. The following(or•other suuiiable measures)shall be included in this plan. The City shall verify use of the plan measures during regular site inspections. 9-2 Grading plans shall indicate that on-site grading will be limited to a total of six acres per day. 9-3 Grading plans shall indicate that the contactor shall be responsible for ensuring that trucks used fin-hauling excess material are covered to minimize loss of material,flagmen assist trucks moving Into traffic, and peak hoar truck travel is nnnlmlzed. 9-4 The dust control plan shall be included as part c f the grading plan and shall speck steps that would be taken to comply with SCAOMD Rules 402 (Nuisance) and 403 (Fugitive Dust). 11easu res outlined in the plan shall include but not be limited to: daily watering ofgraded areas, washing of equipment tires before leaving the construction site, and use of SCAQMD approved chemical stabilizers or soil binders. 9-5 The grading plan shall indicate that during construction, the contractor shall discontinue constluuction activities during first and second stage smog alerts, or when wind gusts exceed 25 miler per hour. 9-6 The grading plan shall indicate that all constr Uction equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition so as to reduce operational emissions. The contractor will ensure that all construction equipment is being properly serviced and maintained. 9-7 Prror to approval of a grading per7nit,the contractor.shall provide evidence shot low emission mobile constriction equipment will be utilized, or that their use was investigated and found to he it feasible for the project. 9-8 Roadway and parking lot plans shall indicate the use of emulsified asphalt or asphaltic cement, where feasible. The use of cutback asphalt should be avoided whenever possible. 9-9 iPhere feasible and/or applicable, the project proponent shall: 1) specify construction materials with natural finishes that do not require coating; 2) where coatings are to be applied, specify the rise of high-vohunre low-pressure or lnarmal application of paints and 35 coatings on structures;3)use pre--frruslhed or pre-priiued and sanded wood molding and trim products and pre-primed wallboard;and 4)specify the use of non-polluting power-coating operations and power-coated metal projects. Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project will emit more CO,ROC,SO,and PM,than the thresholds of significance established by SCAQMD for a project in the South Coast Air Basin. Table 4.9-E in the EIR list the forecast emissions and all of the above emissions exceed the SCAQMD significance thresholds after mitigation. The EIR concludes that the project and cumulative impact of these air emissions are forecast to be significant. Mitigation is provided to reduce total emissions and potential for nuisance from fugitive dust. The mitigation measures for the proposed project incorporate those feasible measures identified by the EIR and contained within the SCAQMD Air Quality Attainment Plan and the District's"CEQA Handbook". No additional mitigation measures were identified in the responses to comments that need to be considered at this time and ail of the changes to the project that are proposed to reduce air emissions are considered feasible. Therefore, the City finds that the available mitigation measures are insufficient to reduce construction air emission impacts from project construction activities below a significant level. Based on these facts, the City concludes that all feasible ntigation measures have been identified and these measures will be implemented by the City and Air Quality Management District as part of Its conditions of approval and mitigation monitoring program. The City concludes that the proposed project has the potential to cause a significant adverse effect on the SCAB's air quality;that project air emissions have been substantially lessened to the degree feasible;and that the project specific air quality impacts remaining after implementing mitigation measures are unavoidable and acceptable due to overriding considerations as outlined at the end of this document. 3. Air Resources: Cumulative Operation Emissions Significant Unavoidable Impact: Cumulative long-term emissions from operating equipment and delivering trailers and containers to the Intermodal Facility could exceed regional thresholds and contribute to continued significant air quality degradation. Finding: The operational air quality issues are discussed in detail in Chapter 4 and Appendix F of the EIR. The discussion in the text of the EIR indicates that the South Coast Air Basin(SCAB)experiences violations of the federal and state Ozone standards. The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project will emit more mobile Source related emissions than the thresholds of significance established by SCAQMD for a project in the South Coast Air Basin. Table 4.9-H in the EIR lists the forecast emissions and these emissions substantially exceed the SCAQMD significance thresholds. The EIR concludes that the cumulative air emissions are forecast to be significant. Given the existing air quality standard violations for ozone and particulate matter and the non-attainment status of the SCAB for these pollutants,the City concurs that the operational emissions should be considered an unavoidable significant adverse impact. The EIR further determined that the project will implement the Regional Grog-vth Management Plan,the Regional Mobility Plan and the Congestion Management Plan, i.e.it conforms with the Air Quality Management Plan. The mitigation measures for the proposed project incorporate those feasible measures identified by the EIR and contained within the SCAQMD Air Quality Attainment Plan and the District's"CEQA Handbook". No additional mitigation measures were identified in the responses to continents that need to be considered at this time and all of the changes to the project that are proposed to reduce air emissions are considered feasible. Three mitigation measures have been identified in the EIR that change the project,but these measures do not reduce emissions so that they fall below significance thresholds. These measures are: 9-10 Prior to the approval of more than 100,000 square feet of cumulative development, the project sponsor shall develop a coninmter center, which would include such information as: bus and rail transit schedules/maps; telephone numbers for the designated transportation coordinator; Onntiu•ans bus route and Afetrolinl; schedrdes; ridesharing promotional 36 material; bicycle route and facility it formation; location of and directions to, the San Bernardino Metrolink station schedule;and location of on-site vanpool/carpool spaces. 9-11 Configure parking areas to minimize traffic interference by providing adequate ingress and egress. 9-I2 Prior to the approval of a building pennit,the project sponsor shall demonstrate that building and landscape plans include the following: Thennal load reduction through the use of automated time clocks and/or occupant sensors, • The utilization of window glazing, wall insulation, and efficient ventilation methods. • The utilization ofenergv efficient heating, air conditioning, water heaters,furnaces, boiler units, etc. The incorporation of passive solar design and solar heaters, where appropriate. Landscape with native, drought resistant species to reduce water consumption and provide passive solar benefits Facts in Support of Finding The discussion in the text of the EIR and support documents indicates that the project will emit more CO,ROC,SO,and PM,than the thresholds of significance established by SCAQMD for a project in the South Coast Air Basin. Table 4.9-F, G and H in the EIR list the forecast emissions and all of the above net emissions exceed the SCAQMD significance thresholds after mitigation. The EIR concludes that the operational cumulative impact of these air emissions are forecast to be significant. Mitigation is provided to reduce total emissions and potential for nuisance from fugitive dust. The mitigation measures for the proposed project incorporate those feasible measures identified by the EIR and contained within the SCAQMD Air-Quality Attainment Plan and the District's"CEQA Handbook". No additional mitigation measures were identified in the responses to comments that need to be considered at this time and all of the changes to the project that are proposed to reduce air emissions are considered feasible. Therefore,the City finds that the available mitigation measures are insufficient to reduce construction air emission impacts from project construction activities below a significant level. Based on these facts,the City concludes that all feasible mitigation measures have been identified and these measures will be implemented by the City and Air Quality Management District as part of its conditions of approval and mitigation monitoring program. The City concludes that the proposed project has the potential to cause a significant adverse effect on the SCAB's air quality;that project air emissions have been substantially lessened to the degree feasible;and that the project specific air quality impacts remaining after implementing mitigation measures are unavoidable and acceptable due to overriding considerations as outlined at the end of this document. This concludes the discussion of all potential adverse impacts attributable to the implementation and operation of the Specific Plan. F. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires discussion of reasonable project alternatives that could feasibly attain the project's objectives (14 CCR § 15126(d)). CEQA requires that an EIR evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project that: (1) offers substantial environmental advantages over the proposed project, and (2) may be 37 feasibly accomplished in a successful manner and within a reasonable period of time considering the economic, environmental, legal, social, and technological factors involved. The basic objectives of the IVDA Specific Plan, proposed project (reuse of the non-airport portions of former Norton Air Force Base) include the following: replace the 10,000 jobs that formerly existed at Norton with job generating uses and quality projects; integrate the Norton Air Force Base site back into the physical structure of the community, and create a development plan that will have the effect of generating financial reinvestment on site and within the community. The central purpose of the proposed project is to initiate reuse of this property to create a more valuable asset to the City of San Bernardino and surrounding cities. The EIR considered a total of three alternatives to the proposed action. These alternatives were defined based on mandatory requirements and alternatives designed to reduce the identified significant impacts of the project: air quality and noise. One of these alternatives was considered to be technically feasible and was carried forward as a possible reasonable alternative to the proposed project in the EIR. The three alternatives that were subject to evaluation in the EIR with the proposed action are: a. No Build b. No Project C. Reduced Density Alternative An additional alternative that was considered and screened from further study is the location alternative and the rationale for eliminating this alternative from further consideration is outlined below. The purpose in analyzing alternatives to a proposed project is to determine if an alternative is capable of eliminating or reducing potential significant adverse environmental effects, "even if these alternatives would impede to some degree the attainment of the project objectives, or would be more costly" (State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126(d)(3)). The following discussion provides the City's evaluation of each of these alternatives in determining whether they are feasible alternatives to the proposed action(State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126(d)) and whether an alternative can eliminate or substantially lessen significant impacts described in this document for the proposed action. A discussion of the alternative eliminated from further consideration is also provided. 1. Alternative Location One of the alternatives identified in the State CEQA Guidelines that would nonnally be considered is an alternative location. However,in this instance the pro ject is,of necessity,site specific because Norton Air Force Base is the only location in San Bernardino and the surrounding area where a military installation(Air Force Base)has been closed under the Base Closure Act. The project site represents the single location requiring demolition in support of site remediation and reuse. Since it is not possible to implement this project at any other location,this alternative,alternative location,is eliminated from further analysis and will not be given further consideration because it is not an alternative that can "feasibly attain the basic objectives of the project." (State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15126(d)) 38 The City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council has reviewed the EIR discussion of alternative location and concurs with the findings regarding the lack of suitability of an alternative location to the proposed project. No alternative location has been identified at any time during the review process for the project and no alternative locations are known that could meet the project's objectives. Therefore,the Mayor and Common Council concur with the conclusion in the EIR that an alternative location for the proposed project was properly eliminated from further detailed consideration because no alternative location can feasibly meet the objectives established for the proposed project. 2. No Build Alternative The no build alternative assumes that the project site is maintained in its current caretaker status and that only the public benefit transfers continue in operation. Under this alternative all of the impacts associated with jobs (all public service, utility,traffic,air quality and stone runoff,etc.)would not occur;the potential biological impacts would be eliminated. The no build alternative was rejected by the City because maintenance of the property in unoccupied condition would be inconsistent with the objective of reuse of the base;the site would not be integrated into the surounding community;would not facilitate approved development of the airport;and the regional jobs/housing balance would not be improved. Based on these facts,the Mayor and Common Council rejects as infeasible the no build alternative to the proposed project. This alternative does not meet all of IVDA's identified objectives even though it would eliminate the significant impacts of the proposed project. Therefore,the Mayor and Common Council concur with the conclusion in the EIR that the no build alternative was properly eliminated from further detailed consideration because this alternative cannot feasibly meet the objectives established for the proposed project. 3. No Project The no-project alternative would eliminate the proposed land use designations and allow future development to occur under the"Public Facilities"designation which does not impose any allowable uses or controls on development. This alternative would not eliminate the potential adverse impacts because it could allow undefined development of public facilities at the site with no limit on the number of public facilities,with no intensity or other land use controls. The impacts forecast to occur if the proposed project is developed would not be eliminated and could increase. The City considers this alternative environmentally inferior because the City would lose development policies and controls contained in the Specific Plan for the project area,the integrated ti-amework for future development,including minimization of land use conflicts contained in the Specific Plan would be lost;and if development did not occur,the site would deteriorate and diminish in development value. The EIR concluded that the no-project alternative is not necessarily environmentally superior to the proposed project. The no project alternative is not capable of feasibly attaining the basic objectives of the project which were outlined above. Reuse of the blighted property would not occur,safety and trespass issues would not be eliminated,and the property would not support the IVDA's plan to reuse the project site to replace jobs lost when Norton closed. Therefore,the Mayor and Common Council concur with the conclusion in the EIR that the no project alternative Ilor the proposed project was properly eliminated from further detailed consideration because it is not capable of accomplishing the identified project objectives. 4. Reduced Density Alternative This alternative was specifically formulated to eliminate violation of noise impacts and the air quality significance thresholds related to construction and operation emissions. Construction activities would have to be restricted to a few hours per day to reduce construction emissions below the significance threshold. Operations would have to be curtailed to one twentieth of the level of development proposed to reduce air emissions to nonsignificant levels. The irony is that such reductions in density of the Specific Plan would reduce the project's conformity with the Regional Comprehensive Management Plan because the jobs generated by the proposed project would be reduced and the vehicle miles traveled within the SCAB would be forecast to increase. These alternative modes of operation are non-functional because they would eliminate the project's ability to meet project objectives. it is assumed that job growth would be displaced elsewhere in the SCAB with no actual 39 reduction in air emissions. In fact,the air enussion would likely increase if the proposed project is not implemented because the jobs envisioned for the site would be located elsewhere in the Basin. This alternative is considered environmentally superior to the proposed project for noise impacts only,but it would not meet project objectives because it is unlikely that it would result in successful reuse of the project site. It would not eliminate air quality impacts(in fact it could increase emission substantially by increasing vehicle miles traveled within the basin). Based on these facts, the Mayor and Common Council reject as infeasible the reduced size project to limit air quality emissions and cumulative noise impacts. This alternative does not meet the project objectives and it would not eliminate significant impacts,other than cumulative noise.Therefore,the Mayor and Conunon Council concurs with the conclusion in the EIR that the reduced size project was properly eliminated from further detailed consideration because this alternative cannot feasibly meet the objectives established for the proposed project. This concludes the discussion of project alternatives to the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan Project. G. PROJECT BENEFITS The benefits from approving the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan Project are related to the reuse of a closed military installation, former Norton Air Force Base; enhancement of the City's competitive position through successful implementation of new job producing activities in the Inland Empire; increasing jobs and economic activity at a location which previously provided approximately 10-11,000 jobs; and preventing an existing developed area to deteriorate and become a blight location within the community. The benefits of the project are those positive values and new facilities that would not be made available to the community without this project's development. The project benefits outlined below were considered by the City Mayor and Common Council in performing the balancing test with those unavoidable significant adverse impacts presented earlier in this document. The economic benefits of the project,jobs and transfer of the federal property to property tax and sales tax producing status, will provide a core economic base which will promote the development of secondary manufacturing, transportation and service firms in San Bernardino. The expansion of secondary businesses can lead to a renaissance among these industries and, through diversifying the City economic base, the City will have greater flexibility in developing social, cultural, and community development programs in order to increase the quality of life for residents. 1. Benefits a. The proposed project will add approximately 11,000,000 square feet of business uses to the community base and replace the approximately 11,000 lost military jobs with an estimated 27,000 permanent, primary jobs to the local economy over a 20-40 year period. Indirectly, as many as 40,900 are forecast to be generated by the primary jobs at the project site. b. The permanent effect on the local economy is estimated to be the addition of approximately $1,026,000,000 per year of direct salaries and a total of $2,370,000,000 from total employment growth related to successful implementation of the proposed project.. 40 C. During construction of the project an estimated $984,140,000 million will be spent in the local economy for buildings and infrastructure, on- and offsite. An estimated 500 employees per year over the 40-year period will be directly or indirectly employed each year based on the estimated construction expenditures for the project each year. d. Demolition of existing buildings will remove obstacles to the effective reuse of the project site and will eliminate potential blight from old, unreusable structures and infrastructure. e. The City benefits from the elimination of the industrial blight that currently exists on the project site. This currently unproductive military land will be returned to positive use that will benefit the community by providing jobs and serving as an integral component of the community, particularly the adjacent developed areas. f. Successful development and expansion of uses within the IVDA Specific Plan area will serve as a key building block in the City's ability to attract businesses to the area. The lack of traffic congestion, combined with the ability to ship by air from San Bernardino International Airport, creates the essential infrastructure required to attract new business to the area. g. Air quality will benefit in two ways from the proposed project: the jobs/housing balance is a key component in meeting the Air Quality Attainment Plan and Growth Management Plans for the South Coast Air Basin and the jobs/housing ratio for the City of San Bernardino will be enhanced by the forecast 27,000 jobs directly created and 67,900 jobs created overall in the community; and an unquantifiable emission benefit is derived from reducing the total vehicle miles traveled by employees working at the project site. h. Redevelopment and reuse of the closed military base under the Specific Plan will prevent its deterioration and slide into a blighted area of the City. H. OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS This section of the findings addresses the requirements in Section 15093 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Section 15093 requires the lead agency to balance the benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable significant adverse impacts, and to determine whether the project related significant impacts can be acceptably overridden by the project benefits when the two are compared and balanced. As outlined in Section E above, the IVDA's San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan Project would produce unavoidable significant impacts in three environmental categories: construction and operation air quality and cumulative noise along existing roads. The City of San Bernardino Mayor and Common Council finds that the previously stated benefits of the San Bernardino International Trade Center Specific Plan Project, contained in the proposed action and as conditioned by the City, outweigh the unavoidable significant adverse environmental effects to air quality and noise that have been outlined above. In a region where unemployment hovers near 10%; where the ability to attract new business and jobs has been harmed by a prolonged recession and limited industrial growth; and where industrial blight has diminished the City's ability to attract 41 new industry; the Mayor and Common Council finds that the proposed project's contributions to jobs, to the local economy, and to the City's ability to attract new industrial growth outweigh the effects of air emissions; and outweigh the limited noise exposure areas that already experience high noise because of the proximity between residential and transportation uses. The Mayor and Common Council's findings set forth in the preceding sections have identified all of the adverse environmental impacts and the feasible mitigation measures which can reduce impacts to insignificant levels where feasible, or to the lowest achievable levels where significant unavoidable impacts remain. The findings have also analyzed three alternatives to determine whether they are reasonable or feasible alternatives to the proposed action or whether they might reduce or eliminate the three significant impacts of the proposed action. The EIR presents evidence that implementing the proposed Project will cause significant adverse impacts which cannot be substantially mitigated to insignificant levels. These significant impacts have been outlined above and the Mayor and Common Council finds that all feasible alternatives and mitigation measures have been adopted or identified for implementation by the City or other Responsible Agencies. The Mayor and Common Council finds that the project's benefits are substantial as outlined in Section G of this document and summarized above and that these benefits justify overriding the unavoidable significant adverse impacts associated with the proposed project. This finding is supported by the fact that many of the benefits listed above derive from initiating a major business activity in the San Bernardino area, i.e., office, commercial, industrial and international trade issues. Other major infrastructure improvements will benefit the community surrounding the project site, including enhanced flood control facilities and road improvements as outlined in the EIR. The Mayor and Common Council further finds that these benefits, when balanced against the three unavoidable significant adverse impacts, outweigh the impacts because of the social and economic values which accrue to the City of San Bernardino as outlined in Section G of this document. As the CEQA Lead Agency for the proposed action, the Mayor and Common Council has reviewed the project definition in the EIR and Section A of this document, and fully understands the project proposed by the IVDA for the Specific Plan Project. Further, the Mayor and Common Council finds that all potential adverse environmental impacts and all feasible mitigation measures to reduce these impacts have been identified in the EIR, public comment, and public testimony. These impacts and mitigation measures are discussed in Sections D.1, D.2 and E and the Mayor and Common Council concurs with the facts and findings contained in those sections. The Mayor and Common Council also finds that a reasonable range of alternatives was considered in the EIR and this document (Section F) and that no feasible alternatives which substantially lessen project impacts are available for adoption. The Mayor and Common Council concur with the eight identified economic and social benefits which will result from implementing the proposed project. The Mayor and Common Council have balanced these substantial social and economic benefits against the unavoidable significant adverse effects of the proposed project. Given the substantial social and economic benefits that will accrue to the City from approving the Specific Plan Project, the Mayor and Common Council find that the benefits identified herein outweigh the unavoidable significant adverse impacts, and hereby override these unavoidable environmental effects to obtain the economic and social benefits listed in Section G. 42 a LL is vKvad'(d c � c We a s c o Li � E � I c a 3Ad C VrdOJOIA 0 a 0 � a 3Ad 'JKMR.LS t OIHON da dSOd'BG m > xLSd >= >::> ::::<;>; T xa 9Ad HONVD3ddLL F > a F V2 .� cn y ° : a r z c, z w o z 0 .._.................... v Q2i dN3I w a Z General Plan Text Amendment 1. Amend Table 4 Addendum, General Plan Land Use Categories, Page I-30. Category Location Principal Uses Intensity/Density International Contiguous to the O f f i c e FAR .40 (Note: Trade Center San Bernardino Commercial light The Specific Plan ITC International industrial and includes various Airport ancillary uses land use districts z with FAR 's ranging as high as 0.5, depending upon location). 2. Amend Issue Four: What Should Be the Future Role and Character Of Former Norton Air Force Base By Adding the Following Objective. Objective International Trade Center It shall be the Objective of the City of San Bernardino to: 1.39.2 Promote the development and reuse of that portion of the former Norton Air Force . Base not included in the Airport designation as an International Trade Center with office, commercial, research and development and industrial land uses as expeditiously as possible. Policies Permitted Uses 1.39.2.10 The International Trade Center Specific Plan defines the permitted uses, land use relationships and internal circulation standards necessary to accommodate the projected mix of office, commercial, research and development, industrial and ancillary uses (11.4). 1.39.2.11 The reuse of existing buildings will be encouraged to the extent feasible to facilitate the rapid replacement of jobs lost when the former Norton Air Force Base closed (11.4). Density/Intensity and Height 1.39.2.20 The maximum land use intensity of development permitted in the International Attachment G C Trade Center Specific Plan shall be defined by a series of Floor Area Ratios (FAR's) ranging from .25 to .50 in the various individual land use districts. The overall Trade Center FAR is projected at .40 (11.1, 11.4). 1.39.221 The maximum height of structures shall be governed by the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 77. The maximum building height shall not exceed one hundred (100) feet except when required for other technical reasons, such as communication towers, or when the additional height will contribute to the objectives of an overall development plan (H.1, 11.4). Design and Development Standards 1.40.30 The specific plan includes design and development standards to meet the unique z requirements of the site including the provision for reuse and/or interim use of existing buildings as well as new development (11.4). 1.40.31 Special road standards are included in the Specific Plan to maximize retention of assets such as existing tree rows (11.4). 1.40.32 Design and development standards will focus on providing the Trade Center a unique identity and "sense of Place" and will include setbacks, landscaping, parking, signage, entry monumentation, reuse of existing buildings, etc. (11.4). 5th ST C7 'a W w¢ F 3rd ST : :: z : F...........:...:...::::::::::::::::. ;:"�•1fIMltYMMYIYMIIX .,':•LLB I RIALTO ST < :> ::.•1►.; •;>: �: :<::zz:>::: :.!Z :; :1::: 555:;:<:: :::::: ::i:i•F >; :;� i::is i::::is22:i:. � �r>::;:?::::;?.i:�:�:.:'<2:;:.;:. 'a�:::. :: ::::::::: i ...... .�.. .. 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I a i } ;::1:::1::1-;:•::;•:•:�;;;:�:•::. ..... rrr MILL ST W' W O z� d U w a a F CENTRAL AVE LEGEND: Project Site Major Arterial Secondary Arterial ——— Proposed Major Arterial •••••■•• Proposed Secondary/Collector 11/13/95(TOJ401) N Attachment H L Sh No Scale General Plan Roadway Changes EXHIBIT 4 Traffic Impact Analysis Resolution e EXHIBIT 5 Specific Plan Ordinance EXHIBIT 7 C & B Enterprises r n REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS GROUP ;,j 4'4� i !,� 3808 Osbun Road s 1 1 Y 3 �` San Bernardino, California 92404 1 ' E E �� Phones: (714) 883-2435 M�t4T OF?tANNS: pEP s�a dO & AR' February 12, 1W6 ��,��s Mayor and Common Council City of San Bernardino 300 North 'D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418 Subject: Norton Spedfic Pan Mayor and Council Members: During Tim Sabo's preserrtation of the Norton Spodfla Pan to the City Pia vft Commission he presented a twenty to forty year build-out scenario for the redevelopmmyt of Norton. I consider that time frame to be reasonable and recognize the potential for InWrIm uses of bulk0ngs which are not part of the long range plan. It Is not cost effective to remove buildings now when no new sbuchme is proposed. The Pan recommends 'hotels and moteW east of Del Rosa only. The proposed Plan does not provide for the temporary use of residential dorm buildings west of Del Rosa In the northerly portion of the pmjed area. I am pursuing two ideas for several of the two-story dorm buildings. I have discussed one of the ideas with Bill Bopf. I work In a competitive buffs environment and therefore it is inappropriate to discuss the details of my Ideas at this tune. I believe some of these bum can now be used until the time that job growth In the valley stimulates redevelopment of the property. I recormrend that the Spwft Pan include a provision for temporary business such as; hotels, motels and multi-family residential through a Conditional Use PermIL The process will afford the opportunity to analyze a proposal with regards to its compatibility with adjacent uses and its' W with the long range development plan. Some rent Is better than no rent. Some activity Is better than no activity. Shvx erely, Couufi'tey F�IBuse cc: Boughey, Director of Pan g